RU2349960C2 - Display with set of statuses for game device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: information technologies.

SUBSTANCE: game device, having set of statuses, contains a display system, the device in the display for input of money resources and the controller connected with possibility of operative information interchange with the display system and the device for input of money resources. The display system contains the first display, the second video display placed in front of the first display, and the light valve placed between first and second displays. The second display is supplied with a window. The controller contains the processor and the memory connected to possibility of operative information interchange with the processor. The controller is programmed on initiation of generation of the game image on the first display display system, initiation of transition of the light valve practically in a transparent status so that the first display was visible through a window, initiation of generation of the video image on the second display system of display and definition of the sum of the payment corresponding to result of game.

EFFECT: expansion of functionality.

29 cl, 20 dwg

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This patent relates to a casino gaming apparatus, which may be either a separate gaming module or a casino gaming system having a plurality of gaming modules, in which each gaming module includes a display system having a light valve.

Conventional casino gaming modules often include numerous display panels to showcase various images. The game module consists of three separately placed display panels: top glass, bottom glass (or "belly" glass) and the main display. Top and bottom windows are commonly used to play static images showing game commands and game information (e.g. payouts), images to attract the attention of players to a game, or other images associated with games that can be played on a game module. Sometimes the upper glass and / or lower glass are used to demonstrate the bonus game. Active images are displayed on the main display, which can vary as a sequence of actions to attract the attention of the player or as part of the game process. Movable mechanical elements are often used to play various images as part of the game process. For example, in a conventional slot machine, the main display is a “drum glass” having multiple rotating reels with different images on each reel. In some cases, some or all of the display panels are video displays.

Summary of the invention

One object of the invention relates to a gaming machine, which may include a display system, a device for inputting funds and a controller connected with the ability to quickly exchange information with the display system and device for inputting funds. The display system may include a first display, a second video display located in front of the first display, and a light valve located between the first and second displays. The second display may include a window. The light valve may include a suspended particulate device. The controller may include a processor and memory coupled with the ability to quickly exchange information with the processor. The controller can be programmed to initiate image generation to attract the attention of the player on the second display by the display system and to initiate the transition of the device on suspended particles to an almost opaque state if the image is generated to attract attention on the second display, so that the first display is invisible through the window of the second display . The controller can also be programmed to initiate the generation of the game image on the first display by the display system and to initiate the transition of the device on suspended particles to a practically transparent state if the game image is generated on the first display so that the game image is visible through the window of the second display. The game image may refer to poker, blackjack, slot, keno or bingo. In addition, the controller can be programmed to initiate image generation in the bonus game on the second display by the display system and to initiate the transition of the device on suspended particles to an almost opaque state if the image is generated in the bonus game on the second display, so that the first display is invisible through the window second display. The controller can be additionally programmed to determine the payout amount corresponding to the result of the game, and to initiate the transition of the device on suspended particles to a practically transparent state if a non-zero payout amount is determined, so that at least a portion of the first display is visible through the second display window.

Another object of the invention relates to a gaming machine, which may include a display system, a device for inputting funds and a controller connected with the ability to quickly exchange information with a display system and a device for entering funds. The display system may include a first display, a second display located in front of the first display, and a light valve located between the first and second displays. The second display may include a video display and may include a window. The controller may include a processor and memory coupled with the ability to quickly exchange information with the processor. The controller can be programmed to initiate the generation of the game image on the first display by the display system, to initiate the transition of the light valve to a practically transparent state if the game image is generated on the first display, so that the game image is visible through the window of the second display, to initiate the generation of video on the second display system display and to determine the amount of payment corresponding to the result of the game. The game image may refer to poker, blackjack, slot, keno or bingo.

An additional object of the invention relates to a method of playing a game, which may include the steps of: initiating generation of a game image on a first display, initiating generation of a video image on a second display located in front of the first display, where said second display contains a window, initiating a transition of the light valve located between the first and second displays, in a practically transparent state in the case of generating a game image on the first display, so that the game image is visible black s window a second display, and determine the payout associated with an outcome of the game provided by the video. The game image may refer to poker, blackjack, slot, keno or bingo.

Additional objects of the invention are defined by the claims of this patent.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example implementation of a gaming system in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 is a spatial image of one of the game modules shown schematically in figure 1, in an embodiment.

2A illustrates an example implementation of a control panel for a game module.

FIG. 3 is an exploded exploded view of a display system for the game module of FIG. 2 in an embodiment.

Figure 4 is a block diagram of the electronic components of the gaming module shown in figure 2.

5 is a block diagram of a main routine that may be executed during operation of one or more game modules, in an embodiment.

6 is a block diagram of a main routine that may be executed during operation of one or more game modules, in an alternative embodiment.

7 is a block diagram of a display routine that may be executed during operation of game modules in an embodiment.

Fig. 8 is an illustration of a visual image that can be reproduced during execution of the display routine shown in Fig. 7 in an embodiment.

Fig.9 is an illustration of a visual image that can be reproduced during execution of the display routine shown in Fig.7, in an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a visual image that can be reproduced during the execution of the video poker routine of FIG. 12 in an embodiment.

11 is an illustration of a visual image that can be reproduced during execution of the video blackjack routine of FIG. 13 in an embodiment.

12 is a block diagram of a video poker routine that may be executed by one or more game modules in an embodiment.

13 is a block diagram of a video blackjack routine that may be executed by one or more game modules in an embodiment.

Fig. 14 is an illustration of a visual image that can be reproduced during execution of the slot routine of Fig. 16 in an embodiment.

Fig - illustration of a visual image that can be reproduced during the execution of the video routine shown in Fig, in the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a slot game routine that may be executed by one or more game modules, in an embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a video cassette routine that may be executed by one or more game modules, in an embodiment.

Fig. 18 is an illustration of a visual image that can be reproduced during the execution of the video bingo routine of Fig. 19 in an embodiment.

Fig. 19 is a block diagram of a video bingo routine that may be executed by one or more game modules, in an embodiment.

Detailed Description of Various Embodiments

The following is a detailed description of numerous different embodiments of the invention, however, it is understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the text of the claims at the end of this patent. The detailed description should be interpreted as having a purely illustrative character and not describing every possible example of the invention, since the description of each possible example of implementation is impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments may be implemented using either existing technology or technology developed after the filing date of the patent, without departing from the scope of the claims defining the invention.

It should also be borne in mind that the absence in this patent of a clearly defined definition of a term in the form of the sentence “The term '...' means ...” used in this document or a sentence like this completely excludes the intention to limit the meaning of this term either explicitly or indirectly beyond its simple or ordinary meaning, and not a single sentence in any section of this patent (except the claims) can be the basis for a restrictive interpretation of such a term. the claims at the end of this patent, is used within its sole meaning solely for clarity, to protect the reader from the possibility of misinterpretation, and excludes the intention to limit such a term of the claims to either the meaning or this unique meaning. defined by the word "means" and a function in the absence of a detailed description of any design, this does not imply the possibility of interpreting the scope of any feature of the claims i by applying the sixth paragraph of §112 of section 35 of the U.S. Code.

Figure 1 illustrates one possible embodiment of a casino gaming system 10 in accordance with the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a casino gaming system 10 may include a first group or network 12 of casino gaming modules 20 with the ability to quickly exchange information with a network computer 22 via a network data line or bus 24. The casino gaming system 10 may include a second group or network 26 of casino gaming modules 30 with the ability to quickly exchange information with a network computer 32 via a network data line or bus 34. The first and second gaming networks 12, 26 can be operatively connected exchange information with one another through a network 40, which may be, for example, the Internet, a wide area network (WAN) or a local area network (LAN), via a first network transmission line 42 and a second transmission network network 44.

The first network 12 of game modules 20 can be created in the first casino, and the second network 26 of game modules 30 can be created in the second casino located in a geographical area different from the first casino. For example, these two casinos may be located in different areas of the same city, or they may be located in different cities. The network 40 may include many network computers or server computers (not shown), each of which can be connected to the other with the possibility of rapid exchange of information. In cases where the network 40 is the Internet, data can be transmitted via communication lines 42, 44 in the communication protocol of the Internet.

Network computer 22 can be a server computer and can be used to accumulate and analyze data related to the operation of game modules 20. For example, network computer 22 can continuously receive data from each of game modules 20 indicating the amount in dollars and the number of bets placed on each of the game modules 20, data indicating the number of payouts of each of the game modules 20 by winnings, data regarding the identity of the players and game addictions of the players playing games on each of the game modules 20, etc. The network computer 32 may be a server computer and may be used to perform the same or other functions with respect to the gaming modules 30 as the network computer 22 described above.

In the figure, each network 12, 26 includes one network computer 22, 32 and four game modules 20, 30, however, it is understood that the number of computers and game modules may be different. For example, network 12 may include multiple network computers 22 and tens or hundreds of game modules 20, each of which may be connected via data link 24. Data line 24 may be either a dedicated wired or wireless. The figure shows one data line 24, however, the data line 24 may contain many such data lines.

Figure 2 - spatial image of one or more game modules 20 in one possible embodiment. The following description is directed to a model of game modules 20, however, it is understood that game modules 30 may be the same model as game modules 20, described below. It is clear that the model of one or more gaming modules 20 may differ from the model of other gaming modules 20 and that the model of one or more gaming modules 30 may differ from the model of other gaming modules 30. Each gaming module 20 may be any type of casino gaming module and may have various other designs and ways of working. For illustrative purposes, the following is a description of various models of game modules 20, but it is clear that this does not exclude the possibility of using numerous other models.

As shown in FIG. 2, the casino gaming module 20 may include a housing 50 and one or more input devices, which may include a coin slot or a coin acceptor 52, a bill acceptor 54, a ticket reader / printer 56, and a card reader 58, which can be used to enter money into the game module 20. The money input device may be any device that can receive money from the client. As used herein, the term “cash” may include game tokens, coins, paper money, voucher tickets, credit or debit cards, smart cards, and any other substitute for cash.

In the gaming module 20, a ticket reader / printer 56 may be used to read and / or print or otherwise encode ticket vouchers 60. Ticket vouchers 60 may be made of paper or other printable or encoding material and may have one or more of the following information elements printed or encoded on them: casino name, type of ticket voucher, individual number, barcode with control and / or security data, date and time of issue of the ticket voucher, instructions and restrictions on redemption, description in awards and any other information that may be necessary or desirable. Other types of ticket vouchers 60 can be used, such as bonus voucher tickets, cash redeemable vouchers, casino chip vouchers, extra games tickets, goods vouchers, tickets- restaurant vouchers, show vouchers, etc. The printing of voucher tickets 60 may be by optically readable ink type material, or the data of voucher tickets 60 may be magnetically encoded. The ticket reader / printer 56 may be configured to both read and print voucher tickets 60, or to only read or only print or encode voucher tickets 60. In the latter case, for example, some of the game modules 20 may have printers 56 tickets that can be used to print ticket vouchers 60, which can then be used by the player in other game modules 20 having ticket readers 56.

The card reader 58 may include any type of card reader such as a magnetic card reader or optical card reader and can be used to read data from a card provided by a player, such as a credit card or player tracking card. For the purpose of tracking a player, the card reader 58 can be used to read data from and / or write data to the player’s tracking cards, made with the possibility of storing data regarding the player’s identity, the name of the casino, the player’s gaming preferences, etc.

Game module 20 may include one or more sound speakers 62, a coin payout tray 64, an input control panel 66, and a display system 70. In the case where the game module 20 is designed to play a video casino, such as a video poker or a video slot, the display system 70 may include color video displays reproducing images related to a particular game or games. If the game module 20 is designed to play on a drum-type slot machine, the display system 70 may comprise a plurality of rotating mechanical reels, each of which has a plurality of reel images. Sound speakers 62 may generate an audio signal representing sounds such as the noise of the spinning reels of a slot machine, the voice of a dealer, music, announcements, or any other audio signal related to a casino game. The input control panel 66 may be provided with a large number of buttons or touch zones that the player can press to select games, make bets, make decisions during the game, etc.

2A illustrates one possible embodiment of a control panel 66 that can be used when the gaming module 20 is a slot machine having a plurality of mechanical or “virtual” reels. As shown in FIG. 2A, if the display system 70 is provided with a video display, the control panel 66 may include a “See Pays” button 72, which, when activated, initiates the display system 70 to generate one or more display screens showing information about winning combinations or payouts for a game or games provided by the gaming module 20. As used herein, the term “button” is intended to encompass any device that allows a player to enter data, such as a device I wa, which must be subjected to pressing to make a choice of input, or a display area that a player may simply touch. The control panel 66 may include a Cash Out button 74, which can be activated when the player decides to end the game on the game module 20, in which case the game module 20 can return money to the player, for example , by returning a certain amount of coins to the player through the payout tray 64.

If the game module 20 provides a slot game having a plurality of reels and a plurality of winning lines that determine winning combinations of reel symbols, the control panel 66 may be provided with a large number of selection buttons 76, each of which allows the player to select a different number of winning lines before the start drum rotation. For example, there may be five buttons 76, which may allow the player to select one, three, five, seven or nine paylines.

If the game module 20 provides a slot game with a large number of reels, the control panel 66 may be provided with a large number of selection buttons 78, each of which allows the player to set the bet amount for each selected winning line. For example, if the minimum bet accepted by game module 20 is 25 cents ($ 0.25), game module 20 may be provided with five selection buttons 78, each of which may allow the player to choose to make bets of one, two, three, four or five tokens of 25 cents for each selected pay line. In the event that the player activates the button 76 with the number "5" (meaning that the next spin of the reels the game should be played on five winning lines) and then activates the button 78 with the number "3" (meaning that you need to bet three coins on a winning line), the total amount of bets will be $ 3.75 (with a minimum bet of $ 0.25).

The control panel 66 may include a “Max Bet” button 80, allowing the player to make the maximum bet allowed for the game. In the above example, with a choice of up to nine winning lines and a bet of up to five tokens of 25 cents for each selected winning line, the maximum bet will be 45 tokens of 25 cents or $ 11.25. The control panel 66 may include a spin button 82 allowing the player to initiate the rotation of the reels of the slot game after placing a bet.

2A, a rectangle is shown around buttons 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82. It should be borne in mind that this rectangle simply defines, for ease of reference, the area in which the buttons 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82 can be placed. Therefore, the term "control panel" should not be interpreted in the sense that a panel or plate is required separate from the housing 50 of the game module 20, and the term "control panel" may encompass a plurality or group of buttons activated by a player.

The above was a description of one possible control panel 66, however, it should be borne in mind that other buttons may be used in this control panel 66 and that the use of specific buttons may depend on the game or games that can be played on the game module 20. If the system 70 of the display is provided with a video display, the control panel 66 may be generated by the display system 70. In this case, each of the buttons of the control panel 66 may be a color area generated by the display system 70, and to identify the touch of each of the buttons, the display system 70 may be connected to some kind of touch screen type mechanism.

Game Module Display System

FIG. 3 is an exploded exploded view of a display system 70 in one possible embodiment. In the description below, the display system 70 is considered as the primary display, however, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the display system 70 can be used in other displays such as top glass and lower glass. As shown in FIG. 3, the display system 70 may include a front video display 90. The front video display 90 may include a flat panel technology (FDP), such as a plasma display panel (PDP), a liquid crystal display (LCD) ), a liquid crystal display on a silicon substrate (LCOS), an LED display (LED), a liquid crystal ferroelectric display, a field emission monitor (FED), an electroluminescent display (ELD), and a microelectromechanical display FIR devices (MEM) display type based on the digital micromirror device (DMD) display or a light valve based on a diffraction grating (GLV), etc. The front video display screen 90 can also be made using organic display technologies such as an organic electroluminescent display (OEL) and an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display and a light emitting polymer display technology. In addition, the front video display 90 may be a touch screen for controlling a gaming routine by a player. In many of the above examples, the display screen may be made using emitting display technology. That is, an electroluminescent display type display screen may be configured to emit light and be self-luminous. However, some of the FDP technologies such as a liquid crystal display do not involve light emission. In other words, such displays, as a rule, do not emit light or emit only a small amount of light and are not self-luminous. In the case of using non-radiating display technology for the front video display 90, the display system 70 may include a backlight source 91 providing additional illumination of the video images on the front video display 90, while the absence of a backlight source can make the images on the non-radiating displays virtually invisible to the observer. In addition, some of the above display technologies, such as electroluminescent displays and LCD displays, suggest their transparency in the absence of reproducible video images. For example, inorganic phosphors can be used in an electroluminescent display, which are both transparent and emitting, and are addressed through column and row drive circuits.

In addition, the display system 70 may include a rear display 92. As shown in FIG. 3, the rear display 92 may include rotating mechanical reels of the slot machine, each of which has a plurality of images. Each mechanical drum may also include a backlight element such as an electroluminescent backlight element for illuminating images on the drum or other parts of the mechanical drum. A mechanical drum may comprise a drum tape made of a translucent material such as plastic, with a backlight element located behind the drum tape. When activated, the backlight element illuminates the drum tape at the back, providing illumination of all or part of the mechanical drum. An example of a mechanical drum having a backlight element is disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,027,115, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. In the figure, the rear display 92 is shown as including a plurality of mechanical reels of the slot machine, however, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the rear display 92 may include other mechanical displays and / or in addition to the above displays on FDP technologies, the rear display 92 may comprise one or more video displays, including a CRT display, front projection display, or rear projection display. Additional mechanical displays may include mechanical devices with the possibility of movement. For example, mechanical devices with the ability to make movements such as balls, donuts, wheels, etc. can rotate in place on the rear display 92. Other mechanical devices with the possibility of making movements such as "falling" tokens, "bouncing" balls, etc. can make a certain movement or move along a predetermined path to create the illusion of movement such as falling or bouncing.

A light valve 93 can be placed between the front video display 90 and the rear display 92. A variety of devices can be used in the light valve 93, including particulate matter (SPD) devices, electrochromic devices, polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices (PDLCs), and etc. Typically, the light valve 93 may switch between a transparent state and an opaque (or translucent) state depending on the application or non-application of electric current. For example, SPD devices and PDLC devices become transparent when an electric current is applied and change to an opaque or translucent state when a small electric current is applied or in the absence of an applied electric current. Electrochromic devices, when an electric current is applied, turn into an opaque state, and when a small electric current is applied or in the absence of an applied electric current, they turn into a transparent state. In addition, the light valve 93 may transition to states with varying levels of translucency and opacity. For example, while a PDLC device is typically either in a transparent or opaque state, suspended particle devices and electrochromic devices can achieve different degrees of transparency, opacity or translucency depending on the strength of the applied electric current.

The front video display 90 may include one or more windows that can allow a player to watch the rear display 92 when the light valve 93 is in a transparent or substantially transparent state. In the event that the light valve 93 is in an opaque or substantially opaque state, observation of the rear display 92 may become impossible (or difficult) for the player. The light valve 93 may also be in a translucent state and provide varying degrees of visibility of the rear display 92 through the window and, therefore, varying the visibility of the rear display 92 (for example, the gradual "dimming" or "bleaching" visibility of the rear display 92). Changing the translucency of the light valve allows you to vary the visibility of the rear display 92 in the range from the degree that allows the player to observe and recognize images on the rear display 92, to the extent that the player can only see the backlight and color of the display, but is deprived of the ability to recognize images.

The front video display 90 may include multiple windows 94 aligned with the mechanical reels of the rear display 92. Similarly, in the case of a backlight device 91, this device 91 may include multiple windows 95 that match the windows 94 of the front video display 90. Windows 94, 95 may allow the player to see at least a portion of the rear display 92 when the light valve 93 is in a transparent state. The rear display 92 can also be seen when the light valve 93 is in a translucent state, however, the visibility of the display 92 may depend on the degree of translucency of the light valve 93. The front video display 90 may include additional windows 96, 97, 98, 99 to view additional information displayed on the rear display 92. For example, one or more images on the reels, the player can see through the corresponding windows 94, 95, while additional displays such as static displays or video displays can be yucheny as part of the rear display 92 and the player can see them through the windows 96, 97, 98, 99. The corresponding windows (not shown) may be provided with a device 91 of the backlight, if any.

The windows 94, 96, 97, 98, 99 in the front video display 90 can be made as physical windows in the front video display 90. Physical windows can be obtained in the material of the display screen by molding and connecting the edges to the corresponding video bus address and row and column address control for playback video images on the remainder of the display screen. Physical windows can also be formed by using for the front video display 90 numerous smaller display screens connected to each other and spaced apart to form gaps between the display screens to form windows. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, windows 94, 96, 97, 98, 99 can be made in the form of virtual windows. For example, if the front video display 90 includes a transparent screen, like an electroluminescent display, then the front video display 90 may appear transparent in the absence of a reproducible video image. Selectively preventing images from playing on the front video display 90 using row and column addressing allows virtual windows to be formed that allow the player to watch through the front video display 90. If the front video display 90 is an LCD or other non-radiating display with backlight device 91, then physical windows may be formed in the backlight device 91, making any image on the LCD in front of the windows 95 virtually invisible to the player in the absence of Ia backlight behind.

If the light valve 93 is in a transparent state, the player can see through the virtual windows of the display screen and watch the image on the rear display 92. Video images can also be played on portions of the front video display that do not correspond to windows 94, 96, 97, 98, 99, or physical , or virtual. However, if the windows 94, 96, 97, 98, 99 are designed as virtual windows, video reproduction can be performed on portions of the front video display 90 corresponding to the virtual windows. Playback of video images on virtual windows can be performed when the light valve 93 is in an opaque (or translucent) state. Video images can also be shown on virtual windows when the light valve is in a transparent state, and therefore superimposed on the image shown on the rear display 92.

Game Module Electronics

Figure 4 presents a block diagram of a number of components that can be included in the game module 20. As shown in figure 4, the game module 20 may include a controller 100, which may contain a memory 102 for programs, a microcontroller or a microprocessor ( MP) 104, random access memory (RAM) 106, and an input / output circuit 108 that can be connected to one another via the address / data bus 110. It should be borne in mind that although only one microprocessor 104 is shown in the figure, the controller 100 may include a plurality of microprocessors 104. Similarly, the memory of the controller 100 may include multiple RAM blocks 106 and multiple program memory blocks 102 . The I / O circuit 108 is shown as a single block in the figure, however, it should be borne in mind that this I / O circuit 108 may include a number of other types of I / O circuits. The RAM block (s) 104 and program memory blocks 102 may be implemented, for example, in the form of semiconductor memory blocks, magnetically readable memory and / or optical read memory.

4, the program memory 102 is a read-only memory (ROM) 102, however, the program memory in the controller 100 may be read / write memory, or a reprogrammable memory such as a hard disk. In the case of using the hard disk as program memory, the address / data bus 110, shown schematically in FIG. 4, may contain multiple address / data buses, which may be various types of buses, and an input / output.

Figure 4 shows that the control panel 66, the coin acceptor 52, the bill acceptor 54, the card reader 58, the ticket reader / printer 56 and the display system 70 can be operatively exchanged with the input / output circuit 108, each of these components connected either unidirectional or bidirectional by one or multiple data lines, which may depend on the model of the component used. The speaker (s) 62 can (gut) be connected (s) with the ability to quickly exchange information with a sound circuit 112, which may be a voice and sound synthesis circuit, or may include an excitation circuit. The sound generation circuit 112 may be connected to the input / output circuit 108.

As shown in FIG. 4, components 52, 54, 56, 58, 66, 70, 112 may be connected to the input / output circuit 108 via a corresponding forward transmission line or conductor. Use of various connection schemes is possible. For example, one or more of the components shown in FIG. 4 may be connected to an input / output circuit 108 via a common bus or other data link shared by a number of components. In addition, some of the components may be connected directly to the microprocessor 104, without using an input / output circuit 108.

The game module as a whole

The following is a description of one possible way of operating one or more game modules 20 (and one or more game modules 30), which is referenced by a series of flowcharts representing a series of sections or routines of one or more computer programs that can be stored in one or more memory blocks of the controller 100. The computer program (s) or its (their) sections can (be stored) remotely, outside of the game module 20, and can (be stored) to control the operation of the game module 20 from a remote location. The facilitation of such remote control can be achieved by using a wireless connection or an Internet interface that connects the game module 20 to a remote computer (such as one of the network computers 22, 32) having a memory in which sections of the computer program are stored. Parts of a computer program may be written in any high-level language such as C, C ++, C #, Java or the like, or in any low-level assembly language or machine language. When storing portions of a computer program in these languages, various portions of memory blocks 102, 106 are physically and / or structurally configured in accordance with computer program instructions.

Figure 5 presents a block diagram of the main operating routine 200, which can be stored in the memory of the controller 100. As shown in figure 5, the operation of the main routine 200 can begin with step 202, which can be performed sequence of operations to attract attention, the goal the implementation of which is the excitement of a potential player in a casino of a desire to play on the game module 20. The execution of a sequence of operations to attract attention can be carried out by playing one or more video images on the front video display 90 and / or initiating the generation of one or more sound segments such as voice or music through the speakers 62. The sequence of operations to attract attention may include a scrollable list of games that can be played on the game module 20, and / or video images of various games being played such as video poker, video blackjack, video slots, video, video bingo, etc.

If, during the execution of the sequence of operations for attracting attention, the potential player enters any data into the game module 20, which is determined at step 204, the sequence of operations for attracting attention can be completed and at step 206, an image can be generated for choosing a game on a display system 70 to allow a player to select a game available on the game module 20. At step 204, the game module 20 can identify data input in various ways. For example, the game module 20 may identify data entry when a player presses a button on the game module 20; a player depositing one or more coins in the game module 20; the player depositing paper money in the game module, etc.

The game selection image generated at step 206 may include, for example, a list of computer games that can be played on the game module 20, and / or a visual message inviting the player to deposit funds in the game module 20. When generating an image for game selection game module 20 may for some period of time be in the waiting state of the game selection made by the player. After the player selects one of the games in step 208, the controller 100 may initiate the execution of one of several subprograms that allows the selected game to be played. For example, gaming routines may include a video poker routine 210, a video blackjack routine 212, a slot routine 214, a video routine 216, and a video bingo routine 218. If the game is not selected at step 208 for a predetermined period of time, control may be transferred back to step 202.

After executing one of the routines 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, to enable the player to play one of the games, step 220 can be implemented, which is used to determine the desire or unwillingness of the player to end the game on the game module 20 or to select another game. If the player wants to stop the game on the game module 20, which can be expressed, for example, by selecting the "Cash Out" button, then at step 222, the controller 100 can issue funds to the player based on the result of the game (s), held by the player. Then, control may return to step 202. If at step 220 a decision is made that the player does not wish to exit, the routine may return to step 208, where the image can be regenerated to select a game to allow the player to select another game.

It should be borne in mind, despite the fact that figure 5 shows five game routines, it is possible to use a different number of routines, so that the number of games available to the player is different. Game module 20 may also be programmed to allow other games to be played.

6 is a block diagram of an alternative main operating subroutine 230 that may be stored in the memory of the controller 100. The main subroutine 230 can be used for game modules 20 designed to provide only one game or one type of game. As shown in FIG. 6, the operation of the main routine 230 may begin with step 232, where a sequence of operations may be performed to attract attention, the purpose of which is to arouse a potential player in a casino with a desire to play on the game module 20. Perform a sequence of operations to attract attention can be achieved by playing one or more video images on the front video display 90 and / or initiating the generation of one or more sound segments such as voice or musical through speakers 62.

If during the execution of the sequence of operations for attracting attention, the potential player enters any data into the game module 20, which is determined at step 234, then the sequence of operations for attracting attention can be completed, and at step 236, a game image can be generated on the system 70 displays. The game image generated in step 236 may include, for example, an image in a casino game that may be conducted on the game module 20, and / or a visual message inviting the player to deposit funds in the game module 20. At step 238, the game module 20 can determine whether the information requested by the player relates to the game or not, and at step 240, if a positive decision is made, the requested information can be displayed. Step 242 can be used to determine if the player is requesting initiation of the game or not, and if a positive decision is made, the game routine 244 can be executed. The game routine 244 can be any of the game routines discussed in this document, for example, one of five gaming subroutines 210, 212, 214, 216, 218 or another game subroutine.

After the subroutine 244 has been completed, to enable the player to play the game, step 246 can be implemented that is used to determine the player’s desire or unwillingness to end the game on the game module 20. If the player wants to stop the game on the game module 20, which can be expressed, for example, by selecting the " Cash Out "(" Payment Order "), then at step 248, the controller 100 may issue money to the player based on the result of the game (s) played by the player. Then, control may return to step 232. If at step 246 a decision is made on the player’s reluctance to leave the game, then control may return to step 238.

Display system operation

7 is a block diagram of a display routine 250 that can be executed by the controller 100 in combination with or as part of the main routines 200, 230. As shown in FIG. 7, at step 252, the routine can determine if a game has been initiated or not initiated, which can be accomplished like making a decision at step 204 of the main operating routine 200 shown in FIG. If, at step 252, a decision is made to initiate the game, the subroutine may deactivate the light valve 93 and initiate at step 254 the transition of the light valve to a transparent state. Depending on the particular light valve 93 used, it may be necessary to deactivate this light valve 93 either by applying (or increasing the strength) of the electric current to the light valve 93, or by interrupting (or decreasing the strength) of the electric current applied to the light valve 93.

At step 256, the subroutine may generate accompanying game graphics on the rear display 92. In the case of using mechanical reels of the slot machine having a backlight element, the backlight of the mechanical reels of the rear display 92 can be turned on. Other mechanical devices with the possibility of movement, if any, may correspond to the game image, and their activation can be carried out on the rear display 92 as part of the image on the rear display 92. Generation of additional accompanying game graphics can be carried out on the front video display 90, and this graphic may be superimposed on the graphic of the rear display 92. At step 258, the subroutine may generate a graphic such as player information (relating, for example, to player identification, general sum of winnings, player profile, favorite games, etc.), game information, advertisements, accompanying game graphics, etc., which can be displayed on the front video display 90. At step 260, a game subroutine can be executed, and images the front and rear displays 90, 92 can be modified in accordance with the execution of the game routines. Game routine 260 may be any of the game routines discussed herein, for example, one of five game routines 210, 212, 214, 216, 218 or another game routine.

In addition, at step 262, the display routine 250 may determine whether a bonus game has been initiated or not initiated. If at step 262 a decision is made to initiate a bonus game, then at step 264, the subroutine can activate the light valve 93 and cause the light valve to transition to an opaque state, which makes the rear display 92 inaccessible to the player’s eyes. Then, at step 266, the subroutine can generate graphics for the bonus game on the front video display 90, and at step 268, generate information about the player on the front video display. In the case of using mechanical reels of a slot machine having a backlight element, the backlight of the mechanical reels of the rear display 92 may be turned off. At 270, a bonus game subroutine may be performed. The bonus game subroutine 270 may be any of the game subroutines discussed herein, for example, one of the five game subroutines 210, 212, 214, 216, 218 or another game subroutine.

The display routine 250 may also determine whether a sequence of operations has been performed or not performed to attract attention, such as the sequence of operations for attracting attention, shown schematically in FIGS. 5 and 6. As indicated above, the sequence of operations for attracting attention may include a scrollable list of games that can be spend on the game module 20, and / or video images of various ongoing games such as video poker, video blackjack, video slots, video, video bingo, etc. In addition, a flowchart for attracting attention may include activating the light valve 93 at step 274 and, therefore, initiating the transition of the light valve 93 to an opaque state to render the rear display 92 inaccessible. At step 276, graphics may be generated to attract attention such as a scrolling list of games and / or video images of various games played on the front video display 90. If mechanical reels of the slot machine having a backlight element are used, the backlight of the mechanical reels of the rear display 92 may be turned off. As indicated above, if during the execution of the sequence of operations to attract attention, the potential player enters any data into the game module 20, which is determined at step 278, then the sequence of operations to attract attention can be completed, and the control may return to step 252 for determination of the fact of initiation or non-initiation of the game.

In addition, at step 280, the display routine 250 may determine whether a player has won or not won during the execution of the game routine. A win decision can be made based on the determination of any non-zero payout during the game subroutine, including game subroutines 210, 212, 214, 216, 218. In one example, the win decision may relate to a predetermined jackpot payout amount. If at step 280 a decision is made to win the player, the subroutine can deactivate the light valve 93 and initiate the transition of the light valve to a transparent state, which makes the rear display 92 visible to the player. At step 284, the subroutine can initiate the generation of graphics corresponding to the image of the payout amount on the rear display 92 and / or on the front video display 90 to demonstrate a player’s victory. In the case of using mechanical reels of a slot machine having a backlight element, the illumination of the mechanical reels of the rear display 92 can be turned on and off to provide flashing. Other mechanical devices with the possibility of movement, if any, can correspond to the image in the bonus game, and their activation can be carried out on the rear display 92 as part of the image on the rear display 92 such as the above falling tokens or a spinning wheel. At 286, player information may also be generated including modified graphic information, taking into account the payout amount, on the front video display 90.

Above, the display routine 250 has been described as including various combinations of the steps of generating images on the displays 90, 92 and activating / deactivating the light valve 93, based on an event in a game routine, a bonus routine, a sequence of operations to attract attention or a winning game, but to specialists it should be apparent in the art that such combinations can be triggered by additional criteria. For example, the process of executing some game routines may include the step of generating a game image on the rear display 92, while the process of executing other game routines may include the step of generating a game image on the front display 90. Generating game images on the front and rear displays 90, 92 may be implemented as part of any of the game routines discussed herein, for example, one of the five game routines 210, 212, 214, 216, 218 or another game routine. In one example, the rear display 92 can be used for the mechanical slot game routine 214, while the front display 90 can be used for the video game routine such as video poker, video blackjack, video slots, video tapes, video bingo, or any other video game routine. When the video game subroutine is executed as a result of the selection of such a game subroutine by the player, the light valve 93 may be activated, and therefore, the transition of this light valve 93 to an opaque state may be initiated to render the rear display 92 inaccessible. In the process of implementing specific gaming routines requiring the reproduction of images on each of the displays 90, 92, other combinations may occur.

In addition, various combinations and permutations of the steps for generating images on the displays 90, 92 and activating / deactivating the light valve 93 can be performed for the above events or other criteria. It should also be obvious to those skilled in the art that each criterion (for example, a game, a bonus game, attracting attention, winning, etc.) can be implemented in its own subprogram or included in other subprograms such as the main working subprograms 200, 230 In addition to these criteria, the display routine 250 described herein may contain additional criteria, or the number of criteria may be less than specified.

In the examples described herein, the images reproduced on each of the displays 90, 92 are specific images, however, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the use of the displays 90, 92 is not limited to any particular image. On Fig presents a typical image 300, which can be reproduced on the display system 70 during the execution of the routine slots using mechanical drums. As shown in FIG. 8, the light valve 93 has been deactivated to make images on the rear display 92 visible. As follows from Fig. 8, the player is able to observe sections of the mechanical reels through windows 94 in the front video display 90. Additional graphics can also be played on the rear display 92 and can be seen through various windows in the front video display 90. For example, the name of the game the subroutines can be seen through window 96, the current rate through window 97, the number of remaining credits in window 98, and the minimum rate can be displayed in window 99. Additional graphics related to the game subroutine can be played back. set forth on the front video display 90. For example, the front video display 90 may include video images of a plurality of selection buttons for a player to allow the player to control the execution of the slot game. The buttons may include a 302 “See Pays” button, a Cash Out button 304, a Spin button 306, and a Max Bet button 308 ( "Maximum bid"). Information about the player can also be generated as a video image 310 on the front video display 90. An image 310 with video information about the player can include the player name, player wins, player profile, player bet amounts, player’s favorite games, etc. As virtual windows in portions of the front video display 90 corresponding to one or more windows 94, 96, 97, 98, 99, additional graphics (not shown) can be generated, and this graphics can be superimposed on images on the rear display 92, observed through windows 94, 96, 97, 98, 99.

Figure 9 presents a typical image 320 that can be reproduced on the display system 70 in the case of activation of the light valve 93, taken to make the images on the rear display 92 invisible. As follows from FIG. 9, on the video display 70, the player cannot see the rear display 92 through the various windows 94, 96, 97, 98, 99 in the front video display 90. Image 320, as shown in FIG. 9, may relate to the image shown during a sequence of operations to attract attention. On the front video display 90, attention-drawing graphics may be generated, which may include a video image 322 of a scrollable list of games that can be played on the game module 20, and a video image 324 of commands for initiating a new game. As virtual windows, windows not shown in the figure may be generated on windows 94, 96, 97, 98.99.

Video poker

In the case where the gaming module 20 is designed to facilitate playing video poker, the rear display 92 may include a video display. Figure 10 presents a typical image 350, which can be presented on the display system 70 during execution of the video poker routine 210, shown schematically in figure 5. As shown in FIG. 10, the image 350 may include video images 352 of a plurality of playing cards representing the player’s hands, for example five cards. A video image 352 of playing cards can be played on the rear display 92, and the player can see it through the window 353 in the front video display 90. To enable the player to control the video poker game, a plurality of selection buttons for the player can be displayed on the front video display 90. The buttons may include a Hold button 354 located immediately below each of the playing card images 352, a Cash Out button 356, a See Pays button 358 (“View Payout Table” "), the 360" Bet One Credit "button, the 362" Bet Max Credits "button, and the 364" Deal / Draw "button. The image 350 may also include an area 366, which displays the number of remaining credits or funds displayed on the rear display 92 and observed by the player through the window 367 in the front video display 90. If the front video display 90 is equipped with a touch screen, then the buttons 354, 356, 358, 360 362, 364 may be part of the video image 350. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, one or more of these buttons may be configured as part of a control panel that is separate from the display system 70.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a video poker routine 210 shown schematically in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, at step 370, the subroutine can determine whether a player has requested or not requested payment information, for example, by activating the See Pays button 358, and at step 372, if a positive decision is made, the subroutine can initiate the display of one or more pay tables on the front video display 90. At step 374, the subroutine can determine whether a player has made or failed to place a bet, for example, by pressing the 360 Bet One Credit button, and at step 376 if accepted for a positive decision, the data corresponding to the bet made by the player can be stored in the memory of the controller 100. At step 378, the subroutine can determine whether the player pressed or pressed the Bet Max Credits button 362, and at step 380, if accepted For a positive decision, the data corresponding to the maximum available rate can be stored in the memory of the controller 100.

At step 382, the subroutine can determine whether a player wants or reluctant to receive cards as a result of a new hand, a decision which can be made by identifying the activation of the 364 “Deal / Draw” button after placing a bet. In this case, at step 384, the "distribution" of cards to the video poker hand can be carried out by initiating the generation of images of 352 playing cards on the rear display 92. At step 386, after the distribution of cards to the hand, the subprogram can determine whether the player has activated or inactivated any of the 354 "Hold buttons "(" Leave "), and at step 388, if a positive decision is made, the data about the images of 352 playing cards that should be" left "can be stored in the memory of the controller 100. If at step 390 the button is re-activated 364 “Deal / Draw”, then at step 392, the disappearance of each of the 352 playing card images that should not be “left” can be initiated from the video display 350, and each of these images can be replaced with an image 352 new randomly selected playing cards.

At step 394, the subroutine may determine whether a poker hand has been won or not won, represented by the current video display images 352 of playing cards. A decision on this fact can be made by comparing the data representing the poker hand displayed on the video display with the data representing all possible winning hands that can be stored in the memory of the controller 100. At step 396, if a decision is made on the winning hand, the amount can be determined payouts corresponding to this winning hand. At step 398, the cumulative cash amount or the cumulative number of player credits can be updated by subtracting the bet made by the player and adding the payout amount determined in step 396 if the hand was a winning one. The cumulative amount of cash or the cumulative number of loans can also be reproduced in the display area 366 (FIG. 10).

The above video poker routine 210 has been described with reference to one poker hand with five cards, however this does not preclude the possibility of modifying the 210 routine to provide other versions of the poker game. For example, it is possible to conduct a poker game with seven cards or a game of stud poker. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, simultaneous multi-hand play is possible. In this case, the game may begin with the distribution of cards to one poker hand, and the player may be allowed to leave certain cards. After deciding which cards to keep, these left cards can be duplicated in many different other poker hands, and the rest of the cards in these poker hands will be determined arbitrarily.

Blackjack

In the case where the gaming module 20 is designed to facilitate playing video blackjack, the rear display 92 may include a video display. Figure 11 presents a typical image 400, which can be presented on the display system 70 during execution of the video blackjack routine 212, shown schematically in figure 5. As shown in FIG. 11, the image 400 may include video images 402 of a pair of playing cards representing a dealer’s hand, with one of the cards turned face up and the other face down, and video images 404 of a pair of playing cards representing a player’s hand that are turned face up. The “dealer” may be a game module 20. Video images 402, 404 of playing cards can be played on the rear display 92, and the player can see them through window 405 in the front video display 90.

To enable the player to control the video blackjack game, a plurality of selection buttons for the player may be displayed on the front video display 90. These buttons may include the 406 Cash Out button, the See Pays button 408, the Stay button 410, and the Hit button 412 ( "More Card"), button 414 "Bet One Credit" ("Bet on one credit") and button 416 "Bet Max Credits" ("Maximum rate"). Image 400 may also include an area 418, which displays the number of remaining credits or the amount of remaining cash displayed on the rear display 92 and observed by the player through the window 419 in the front video display 90. If the front video display 90 is equipped with a touch screen, then the buttons 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, 416 may be part of the video image 400. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, one or more of these buttons may be configured as part of a control panel that is separate from the display system 70.

On Fig presents a block diagram of a subroutine 212 video blackjack, shown schematically in figure 5. As shown in FIG. 13, the operation of the video blackjack routine 212 may begin at step 420, where the fact of a player making or not making a bet can be determined. A decision on this fact can be made, for example, by identifying the activation of either the 414 Bet One Credit button or the Bet Max Credits button 416 (Maximum rate). At 422, bet information corresponding to the bet made at 420 can be stored in the memory of the controller 100. At 424, the dealer’s hands and hands can be “distributed” by triggering the appearance of playing card images 402, 404 on the rear display 92.

At 426, the player may be allowed to “take the buy-in,” and at 428, if the decision is positive, another card is dealt to the player’s hand, which is done by initiating the appearance of the image 404 of the other playing card in the 400 image. At 430, after the player has taken the buy-in, the player’s presence or absence of "busting" or cards with a total of more than 21. In the case of a player’s busting, steps 426 and 428 may be repeated to allow the player to re-buy the buy-out.

If the player decides not to take the buy-in, then at step 432, the subroutine can determine whether or not the buy-in is necessary for the dealer. The decision on the need for a buyout for the dealer is made in accordance with the set rules, according to which the dealer always buys a card if the total amount of points on the cards in his hands is 15 or less. At step 434, if a decision is made on the buyout for the dealer, another card may be dealt to the dealer’s hand, which is done by triggering the appearance of image 402 of another playing card in image 400. At step 436, the subroutine can determine whether the dealer has busting or not. In the event of a dealer bust, steps 432, 434 may be repeated to allow the dealer to retake the purchase.

If the dealer does not take the buyback, then at step 438, the result of the blackjack game can be determined and the corresponding payout determined. The decision on the result can be made based on, for example, which of the participants in the game - the player or dealer has a higher hand, the sum of points on the cards on which is no more than 21. If the player has a winning hand, then at step 440 the amount can be determined payouts corresponding to the winning hand. At step 442, the cumulative cash amount or the cumulative number of player credits can be updated by subtracting the bet made by the player and adding the payout amount determined at step 440 if the player wins. The cumulative amount of cash or the cumulative number of loans can also be reproduced in the display area 418 (FIG. 11).

Slots

In the case where the gaming module 20 is designed to facilitate the holding of video slot games, the rear display 92 may include a video display. On Fig presents a typical image 450, which can be presented on the display system 70 during execution of the routine 214 slots, shown schematically in figure 5. As shown in FIG. 14, an image 450 may include video images 452 of a plurality of reels of a slot machine, each of which has a plurality of associated reel symbols 454. Video images 452 of the reels of the slot machine can be played on the rear display 92, and the player can see them through the window 455 in the front video display 90. The image 450 shows the video images 452 of five reels, each of which can have three symbols 454 reels, which are visible at the same time. however, other drum configurations are also possible.

To provide the player with the ability to control slot games, a plurality of selection buttons for the player may be displayed on the front video display 90. The buttons may include a Cash Out button 456, a See Pays button 458, a plurality of buttons 460 for selecting pay lines, each of which allows the player to select a different number of pay lines before the “spinning” of the reels, a number of betting buttons 462, each of which allows the player to set the bet amount for each selected winning line, the “Spin” button 464 and the “Max Bet” button 466 to enable the player to make the maximum bet available.

On Fig presents a block diagram of a routine 214 slots, shown schematically in Fig.14. As shown in FIG. 16, at step 470, the subroutine can determine whether a player has requested or not requested payment information, for example, by activating the “See Pays” button 458, and at step 472, if a positive decision is made, the subroutine can initiate the display of one or more pay tables on the front video display 90. At step 474, the subroutine can determine whether the player pressed or pressed the winning line selection buttons 460, and at step 476, if a positive decision is made, the data corresponding to the number winning lines selected by the player can be stored in the memory of the controller 100. At step 478, the subroutine can determine whether the player pressed or pressed the bet selection buttons 462, and at step 480, if a positive decision is made, the amount of bets on the winning lines can be stored in the controller 100. At step 482, the subroutine can also determine whether the player pressed or pressed the Bet Max button 466, and at step 484, if a positive decision is made, the data (which may include data about bets, as well as betting information on a winning line) corresponding to the maximum available bet can be stored in the memory of the controller 100.

If, at step 486, it is determined that the player has activated the Spin button 464, then at step 488, the subroutine can initiate the start of “rotation” of the images of the slot machine reels 452 to simulate the appearance of a plurality of rotating mechanical reels of the slot machine. At step 490, the subroutine can determine the positions at which the drum images of the slot machine will stop, or the images 454 of specific symbols that will be reproduced when the images 452 of the reels stop rotation. At step 492, the subroutine can stop the rotation of the drum images 452 by reproducing the images of the stationary drums 452 and the images of three symbols 454 for each stopped drum image 452. The virtual reels can be stopped from left to right from the point of view of the player or in any other way or in any other sequence.

The subroutine may provide for the possibility of a bonus game or round when certain certain conditions are met, such as playing a particular symbol 454 in stopped images 452 of the reels. If such a condition is determined at step 494, then the subroutine may proceed to step 496, where a bonus round may be held. The bonus round may be a game other than slots, and many other types of bonus games may be provided. If the player wins the bonus round or receives additional credits or points in the bonus round, then at 498 a bonus amount can be determined. At step 500, a payout amount corresponding to the result of the slot games and / or the bonus round can be determined. At step 502, the cumulative cash amount or the cumulative number of player credits can be updated by subtracting the bet made by the player and adding the payout amount determined at step 500 if the slot games and / or bonus round were winning.

The above subprogram was described as a virtual slot machine subprogram, in which the reels of the slot machine are represented as images on the rear display 92, however, instead of these images, the reels of the real slot machine can be rotated, and in this case, the rear display 92 can be made in the form of many rotating mechanical drums, each of which has many images of the drum, which can be seen through window 455 in the front video display 90.

Video keno

In the case where the game module 20 is designed to facilitate playing a video game, the rear display 92 may include a video display. On Fig presents a typical image 520, which can be reproduced on the display system 70 during the execution of the video routine 216, shown schematically in figure 5. As shown in FIG. 15, the image 520 may include a video image 522 of a plurality of numbers that were selected by the player prior to starting the keno game, and a video image 524 of the plurality of numbers randomly selected by the player during the game of keno. Randomly selected numbers can be displayed in grid cells. Video images 522 of a plurality of numbers selected by a player can be played on the rear display 92, and the player can see them through a window 523 in the front video display 90. Similarly, video images 524 of a plurality of randomly selected numbers can be played on the rear display 92, and the player can see them through window 525 in the front video display 90.

To enable the player to control the keno game, a plurality of selection buttons for the player can be displayed on the front video display 90. These buttons may include the Cash Out button 526, the See Pays button 528, the Bet One Credit button 530, the One Credit button, and the button 332 “Bet Max Credits”, 534 “Select Ticket” button, 536 “Select Number” button and 538 “Play” button. The image 520 may also include a region 540, which displays the number of remaining loans or the amount of remaining cash, displayed on the rear display 92 and observed through the window 541 in the front video display 90. If the front video display 90 is equipped with a touch screen, then the buttons may be part video 520. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, one or more of these buttons may be configured as part of a control panel that is separate from the display system 70.

On Fig presents a block diagram of a routine 216 video, shown schematically in figure 5. Keno routine 216 can be used for one game module 20 when one player plays keno, or keno routine 216 can be used for multiple game modules 20 when multiple players play one keno game. In the latter case, one or more of the actions described below can be performed either by the controller 100 in each game module, or by one of the network computers 22, 32, to which numerous game modules 20 are connected with the possibility of rapid exchange of information.

As shown in FIG. 17, at step 550, the subroutine can determine whether a player has requested or not requested payment information, for example, by activating the “See Pays” button 528, and at step 552, if a positive decision is made, the subroutine can initiate the display of one or more pay tables on the front video display 90. At step 554, the subroutine can determine whether a player has made or failed to make a bet, for example, by pressing the 530 Bet One Credit button or the 532 Bet button Max Credits "(" Maxim "), and at step 556, if a positive decision is made, the data corresponding to the bet made by the player can be stored in the memory of controller 100. At step 558, after making bets on a certain amount, the player can choose a keno ticket, and at step 560, this the ticket can be played back on image 520. At step 562, the player can select one or more game numbers within the range specified by the casino. In step 564, the game numbers selected by the player can be stored in the memory of the controller 100, and in step 520, they are included in the image 522 in the image 520. After a certain time, the keno game can be closed to additional players (in the case when the players are players play the same keno game using multiple 20 modules for playing for money).

If at step 568 a decision is made about starting a keno game, then at step 570 either a controller 100 or a central computer connected to the controller with the ability to quickly exchange information, for example, one of the network computers 22, 32, can select a game number within the range set by the casino randomly. At step 572, a randomly selected game number can be displayed on the rear display 92 and display systems 70 of other game modules 20 (if any) that are participating in the same keno game. At step 574, the controller 100 (or the central computer indicated above) may increase the contents of a counter that tracks the number of game numbers selected at step 570.

At step 576, the controller 100 (or one of the network computers 22, 32) can determine whether or not to reach the maximum number of randomly selected game numbers within the range. At 570, if a negative decision is made, another game number may be randomly selected. At step 578, if the maximum number of selected game numbers is reached, the controller 100 (or the central computer) can determine whether or not a sufficient number of matches has been reached between the game numbers selected by the player and the game numbers selected at step 570 to initiate a player win. The number of matches may depend on the number of numbers chosen by the player and the specific keno rules used.

At step 580, if a decision is made on a sufficient number of matches, a payout may be determined to compensate the player for winning the game. The payout may depend on the number of matches between the game numbers chosen by the player and the game numbers randomly selected at step 570. At step 582, the cumulative cash amount or the cumulative number of player credits can be updated by subtracting the bet made by the player and adding the payout amount determined at block 580 if the keno game was winning. The cumulative amount of cash or the cumulative number of loans can also be reproduced in the display area 540 (FIG. 15).

Video bingo

In the event that the gaming module 20 is designed to facilitate playing video bingo, the rear display 92 may include a video display. On Fig presents a typical image 600, which can be presented on the display system 70 during the execution of the routine 218 video bingo, shown schematically in figure 5. As shown in FIG. 18, an image 600 may include one or more video images 602 of bingo cards and images of bingo numbers selected during a game. Images of 602 bingo cards may have grid cells. Images 602 of bingo cards can be played on the rear display 92, and the player can see them through window 603 in the front video display 90.

To enable the player to control the bingo game, a plurality of selection buttons for the player can be displayed on the front video display 90. These buttons may include the Cash Out button 604, the See Pays button 606, the Bet One Credit button 608, the One Credit Rate button, and the button 610 "Bet Max Credits" ("Maximum rate"), button 612 "Select Card" ("Select card") and button 614 "Play" ("Game"). Image 600 may also include an area 616, which displays the number of remaining credits or the amount of remaining cash displayed on the rear display 92 and observed through a window 617 in the front video display 90. If the front video display 90 is equipped with a touch screen, the buttons may be part video 600. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, one or more of these buttons may be configured as part of a control panel that is separate from the display system 70.

On Fig presents a block diagram of a routine 218 video bingo, shown schematically in figure 5. Bingo routine 218 can be used for one game module 20 when one player is playing bingo, or bingo routine 250 can be used for multiple game modules 20 when multiple players are participating in one bingo game. In the latter case, one or more of the actions described below can be performed either by the controller 100 in each game module, or by one of the network computers 22, 32, to which numerous game modules 20 are connected with the possibility of rapid exchange of information.

As shown in FIG. 19, at step 620, the subroutine can determine whether a player has requested or not requested payment information, for example, by activating the “See Pays” button 606, and at step 662, if a positive decision is made, the subroutine can initiate the display of one or more pay tables on the front video display 90. At step 624, the subroutine can determine whether a player has made or failed to place a bet, for example, by pressing the 608 Bet One Credit button or the 610 Bet button Max Credits "(" Maxim "), and at step 626, if a positive decision is made, the data corresponding to the bet made by the player can be stored in the memory of the controller 100.

At step 628, after making bets on a certain amount, the player can select a bingo card, the generation of which can be carried out randomly. The player may select one or more bingo cards, and their number may reach the maximum number of bingo cards that the player can select. After the decision to start the game at step 632 is made, the controller 100 or the central computer, for example, one of the network computers 22, 32, can randomly generate the bingo number. At step 636, this bingo number can be displayed on the rear display 92 and display systems 70 of any other game modules 20 participating in the bingo game.

At step 638, the controller 100 (or the central computer) may determine whether a bingo player has won or not won. If none of the players won, then at step 634, a different number of bingo can be randomly selected. If, at step 638, the presence of any player having a bingo is determined, then at step 640, the subroutine may decide whether the player playing on this game terminal 20 is a winner or not. At 642, if a positive decision is made, a payout can be determined. The payout may depend on the number of random numbers crossed out by the player before he became the winner, the total number of winners (if more than one player became the winners) and the amount of money on which bets were made to the game. At step 644, the cumulative cash amount or the cumulative number of player credits can be updated by subtracting the bet made by the player and adding the payout amount determined in step 642 if the bingo game was winning. The cumulative amount of cash or the cumulative number of loans can also be reproduced in the display area 616 (FIG. 18).

Claims (29)

1. A gaming apparatus comprising a display system comprising a first display, a second display with a window located in front of said first display, and a light valve located between the first and second displays, characterized in that the second display comprises a video display; cash input device; and a controller connected with the ability to quickly exchange information with the specified display system and the specified input device for funds, and the specified controller contains a processor and memory connected with the ability to quickly exchange information with the specified processor, the specified controller is programmed to initiate the generation of the game image related to one of the following games: poker, blackjack, slot, keno or bingo, on the indicated first display by the indicated display system, the indicated control The controller is programmed to initiate the transition of the indicated light valve to a practically transparent state if the specified game image is generated on the specified first display, so that the specified game image is visible through the specified window of the second display, the specified controller is programmed to initiate the generation of video on the specified second display by the specified system display, and the specified controller is programmed to determine the amount of payment corresponding to the result said game. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said first display comprises a video display configured to generate video images. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the controller is programmed to initiate playback of a video image containing an image of at least five playing cards on the specified first display if the specified game contains a video poker, the specified controller is programmed to initiate playback of the video image containing an image of a plurality of simulated reels of a slot machine on the indicated first display in case the said game contains a video slot, said program controller the process of initiating playback of a video image containing an image of a plurality of playing cards on a specified first display in case the specified game contains video blackjack, said controller is programmed to initiate a video image containing an image of a plurality of keno numbers on the indicated first display in case the said game contains a video, and the specified controller is programmed to initiate playback of a video image containing a grid image of a bingo card on the specified p a moat in the display if said game comprises video bingo. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said first display comprises at least one mechanical slot machine drum, and said mechanical slot machine drum is arranged with respect to said second display so that at least , a portion of said mechanical drum of the slot machine was visible through said window if said light valve is in a practically transparent state. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the specified mechanical drum of the slot machine contains a backlight element, and the specified controller is programmed to initiate the inclusion of the specified backlight element of the specified mechanical drum of the slot machine if the specified light valve is practically transparent condition. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the specified mechanical drum of the slot machine contains a backlight element, and the specified controller is programmed to initiate the shutdown of the specified backlight element of the specified mechanical drum of the slot machine if the specified light valve is practically opaque condition. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said first display comprises at least one mechanical device with the possibility of making movement, and said mechanical device with the possibility of making movement is placed with respect to said second display so that, according to at least, a portion of said mechanical device with the possibility of movement was visible through said window if said light valve is in a practically transparent state. 8. The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said second display comprises a flat-panel video display. 9. The gaming machine according to claim 8, characterized in that said second display comprises an electroluminescent display. 10. The gaming machine according to claim 8, characterized in that said second display comprises a liquid crystal display. 11. The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said controller is programmed to initiate the transition of said light valve to an almost opaque state so that said game image is invisible through said window of said second display. 12. The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the specified controller is programmed to initiate the transition of the specified light valve into a translucent state. 13. The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said controller is programmed to initiate the generation of a game image related to one of the following games: poker, blackjack, slot, keno or bingo, on the indicated second display by the indicated display system, and said controller programmed to initiate the transition of the specified light valve to an almost opaque state in case of generation of the specified game image on the specified second display. 14. The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said controller is programmed to initiate image generation in a bonus game on said second display by said display system, and said controller is programmed to initiate the transition of said light valve to an almost opaque state if said image is generated in a bonus game, so that said first display is invisible through said window of said second display. 15. The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said controller is programmed to initiate image generation to attract the attention of a player on said second display by said display system, and said controller is programmed to initiate the transition of said light valve to an almost opaque state if said image to attract the attention of the player, so that the specified first display was invisible through the specified window of the specified second display. 16. The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the specified controller is programmed to initiate the generation of the first image of the payout amount on the specified first display by the indicated display system in case of determining a non-zero payout amount, the specified controller is programmed to initiate the generation of the second image of the payout amount on the specified second the display by the indicated display system if a non-zero payment amount is determined, and the specified controller is programmed to initiate the transition of the specified Vetovo valve to become substantially transparent state in the case of determining a nonzero value payout so that said first display unit is visible through said opening of said second display. 17. The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said video image on said second display refers to information about a player, information about a payout table or game information. 18. The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said second display comprises a display screen, said controller is programmed to initiate generation of said video image on said display screen, and said window of said second display comprises a portion of said display screen. 19. The gaming machine according to claim 18, characterized in that said controller is programmed to initiate the generation of said video image on said section of said display screen. 20. A gaming system comprising a plurality of gaming devices according to claim 1, wherein said gaming devices are connected to one another to form a network of gaming devices. 21. The gaming system according to claim 20, characterized in that said gaming devices are connected to each other via the Internet. 22. A method of conducting a game comprising the steps of: initiating the generation of a game image in one of the following games: poker, blackjack, slot, keno or bingo on the first display, initiating the generation of a video image on the second display with a window located in front of the first display, initiating a transition of light a valve placed between said first and second displays in a practically transparent state in case of generating said game image on said first display so that said game image was visible through the specified window of the specified second display, and determining the payout amount corresponding to the result of the specified game represented by the specified video image. 23. The method of playing a game according to claim 22, characterized in that it further comprises the step of initiating the transition of said light valve to an almost opaque state so that said game image is invisible through said window of said second display. 24. The method of holding a game according to claim 22, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of initiating the generation of a game image in one of the following games: poker, blackjack, slot, keno or bingo, on the specified second display and initiating the transition of said light valve to practically opaque the state in the case of generating the specified game image on the specified second display. 25. The method of playing a game according to claim 22, further comprising the steps of: initiating image generation in a bonus game on said second display and initiating a transition of said light valve to an almost opaque state if said image is generated in a bonus game, so that said first the display was invisible through the indicated window of the indicated second display. 26. The method of playing a game according to claim 22, further comprising the steps of generating an image to attract the player’s attention on said second display and initiating the transition of said light valve to an almost opaque state if said image is generated to attract the player’s attention, so that said the first display was invisible through the specified window of the specified second display. 27. The method of playing a game according to claim 22, further comprising the steps of: initiating the generation of a first image of the payment amount on said first display in case of determining a non-zero payment amount, initiating generation of a second image of the payment amount on said second display in case of determining a non-zero payment amount and initiating the transition of the specified light valve almost into a transparent state in the case of determining a non-zero amount of payment, so that the specified first display was visible through The displayed window of the indicated second display. 28. A gaming apparatus comprising a display system comprising a first display, a second video display with a window located in front of said first display, and a light valve with a suspended particulate device located between said first display and said second display; money input device; and a controller connected to the ability to quickly exchange information with the specified display system and the specified device for inputting funds, and the specified controller contains a processor and memory connected to the ability to quickly exchange information with the specified processor, the specified controller is programmed to initiate image generation to attract the attention of the player on the indicated second display by the indicated display system, the indicated controller is programmed to initiate the transition the specified device on suspended particles is practically in an opaque state if the specified image is generated to attract attention on the specified second display, so that the specified first display is invisible through the specified window of the specified second display, the specified controller is programmed to initiate the generation of a game image related to one of the following games: poker, blackjack, slot, keno or bingo, on the indicated first display by the indicated display system, the indicated controller of programs to initiate the transition of the indicated device on suspended particles to a practically transparent state if the specified game image is generated on the specified first display so that the specified game image is visible through the specified window of the second display, the specified controller is programmed to initiate image generation in the bonus game on the specified the second display by the indicated display system, the specified controller is programmed to initiate the transition of the specified device to suspended particles in an almost opaque state if the specified image is generated in the bonus game on the specified second display, so that the specified first display is invisible through the specified window of the specified second display, the specified controller is programmed to determine the payout amount corresponding to the result of the specified game, the specified controller is programmed to initiating the transition of the specified device on suspended particles to a practically transparent state in the case of determining non-zero sums s of payment so that at least a portion of said first display is visible through said window of said second display, and said controller is programmed to initiate generation of an image of the payment amount on said first display by said display system in case the said non-zero payment amount is determined. 29. A gaming apparatus, comprising: a display system comprising a first display, a second display with a window located in front of said first display, and a light valve located between the first and second displays, where the second display comprises a video display; money input device; and a controller connected with the ability to quickly exchange information with the specified display system and the specified device for inputting funds, and the specified controller contains a processor and memory connected with the ability to quickly exchange information with the specified processor, the specified controller is programmed to receive data representing data on done the player selecting the pay line, the specified controller is programmed to initiate the generation of a game image containing images m a set of slot machine symbols, each of which is associated with a respective slot machine drum, indicated by the display, the specified controller is programmed to initiate the transition of the specified light valve to a practically transparent state if the specified game image is generated on the specified first display so that one or more of these symbols of the slot machine were visible through the specified window of the specified second display, the specified controller is programmed to initiate the generation of video images on the decree in the second display by the indicated display system, the specified controller is programmed to determine the payout amount corresponding to the result of the specified slot game, and the specified controller is programmed to determine the specified result of the specified slot game based on the configuration of the indicated symbols of the slot machine.

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