US20080045293A1 - Gaming display with moveable indicator and methods of use - Google Patents
Gaming display with moveable indicator and methods of use Download PDFInfo
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- US20080045293A1 US20080045293A1 US11/848,159 US84815907A US2008045293A1 US 20080045293 A1 US20080045293 A1 US 20080045293A1 US 84815907 A US84815907 A US 84815907A US 2008045293 A1 US2008045293 A1 US 2008045293A1
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- Prior art keywords
- display surface
- indicator
- band
- gaming
- player
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3202—Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
- G07F17/3204—Player-machine interfaces
- G07F17/3211—Display means
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
- A63F3/00003—Types of board games
- A63F3/00028—Board games simulating indoor or outdoor sporting games, e.g. bowling, basketball, boxing, croquet, athletics, jeu de boules, darts, snooker, rodeo
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
- A63F3/00643—Electric board games; Electric features of board games
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/24—Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3202—Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3202—Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
- G07F17/3216—Construction aspects of a gaming system, e.g. housing, seats, ergonomic aspects
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3225—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users
- G07F17/3227—Configuring a gaming machine, e.g. downloading personal settings, selecting working parameters
Definitions
- FIG. 6 is substantially a flowchart of a gaming method of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is substantially a flowchart of a method according to the present invention.
- Gaming device 14 may further include a gaming outcome display 28 that may be positioned in front of the gaming device 14 so that a player (not shown) playing gaming device 14 can see gaming outcome display 28 .
- Gaming outcome display 28 may utilize physical game reels 30 , 32 , and 34 .
- Game reels 30 , 32 , and 34 may be attached to a drive mechanism (not shown) of gaming device 14 to rotate the reels in a manner well known in the art.
- Each game reel 30 , 32 , and 34 may have a plurality of symbols positioned on the circumference of each game reel 30 , 32 , and 34 .
- Game reels 30 , 32 , and 34 may be positioned side-by-side with coincident axes of rotation, and a portion of their individual circumferences may face outward from gaming device 14 .
- a panel 36 may cover game reels 30 , 32 , and 34 such that only a portion of their individual circumferences are shown to the player. At least one symbol from any of game reels 30 , 32 , and 34 may be used to display a game outcome. At least one pay line 38 may be provided for the player to use in determining a game outcome based on the symbol or a combination of symbols positioned thereon.
- gaming outcome display 28 utilizes a video display ( FIG. 1 b ) displaying images of game reels and an image of at least one pay line.
- a video display may also display game symbols in many other formats and arrangements, such as playing cards.
- the invention is not limited to any particular type of gaming outcome display 28 . Those of skill in the art will recognize that many different types of gaming outcome displays could be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- Prize display 102 of gaming apparatus 100 may comprise display device 42 .
- band 46 is configured to move vertically around a horizontal axis of rotation.
- Prize display 102 also may comprise an indicator 104 that is similar to indicator 43 ( FIG. 1 a ).
- Indicator 104 may have an appearance that conforms to a theme of the game, which is a detective game in this embodiment. Thus, indicator 104 may look like a detective, such as a man wearing a trench coat and a hat. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 , indicator 104 moves horizontally. Indicator 104 may have a pointer portion 106 .
- Actuator 310 may be any number of suitable actuators, such as motors, including stepper motors, gear motors, and servo motors. Actuator 310 may rotate a shaft 312 in connection with a wheel 314 . A belt 316 may link wheel 314 to a shaft 318 of driven roller 320 . Rotation of shaft 312 drives wheel 314 which in turn drives belt 316 . The rotational force is passed from belt 316 to shaft 318 . Rotation of shaft 318 may drive rotation of roller 320 . Frictional contact with rotating driven roller 320 moves band 240 .
- an idler wheel or pulley (not shown) can be included on the opposing side of band 240 in order to increase the frictional contact of band 240 with driven roller 320 .
- FIG. 9 also provides additional detail for a suitable actuator and positioning system for indicator 250 .
- indicator 250 may be attached to worm gear 340 by bracket 342 .
- Worm gear 340 may be actuated by actuator 332 .
- Actuator 332 maybe attached to pulley 382 (which may be a timing pulley).
- a belt 384 (which may be a timing belt) may be attached to pulley 382 (which may be a timing pulley) and in contact with shaft end 386 of worm gear 340 .
- a positioning system such as infrared signal generator 390 and infrared detector 392 , may be included in order to assist in tracking the position of indicator 250 .
- actuator 332 is stepper motor model HT23-396, available from Applied Motion Products of Watsonville, Calif.
- Steps 802 - 812 may correspond to steps 502 - 512 of FIG. 10 .
- indicator 250 is moved to a position, which may be randomly selected by controller 360 .
- band 240 may be moved so that indicator 250 points to an indicium conveying the game outcome. Any prizes may be awarded at step 818 before method 800 returns to step 802 .
- steps 814 and 816 may be reversed or presented simultaneously.
- band 240 could be randomly moved, with indicator 250 being moved to indicate the game outcome.
- Gaming device 2100 has a gaming display device 2102 .
- Gaming device 2100 can be a bonus game that can be mounted in a housing 1001 in conjunction with a gaming apparatus 202 as shown in FIG. 7 .
- a front panel 1503 is mounted to housing 1001 .
- Gaming display device 2802 can have a band guide section 2820 that causes the band to move back and forth or to move in a snake-like manner.
- Band guide section 2820 may have dozens or hundreds of rollers.
- the band is woven or wound around rollers 2830 .
- the use of additional rollers allows for the storage of a longer length of band 240 by winding the band around the additional rollers.
- Band guide section 2820 comprises rollers 246 and 2830 that band 2810 rolls over.
- the use of band guide band guide section 2820 within housing 1001 allows for a longer length of band 2810 . Because band 2810 is longer, a larger number of indicia can be displayed on band 2810 . One of the indicia on band 2810 can be indicated as a prize or game outcome.
- Band 2810 can be used in place of band 240 in the gaming device embodiments that were previously described. Guide tracks (not shown) could also be used with band 2810 .
- Method 3000 then proceeds to step 2414 , where wide belt 2910 is moved.
- controller 360 checks to see if wide belt 2910 is approaching one end or the end of its length. If controller 360 detects the end of wide belt 2910 is approaching, method 3000 proceeds to step 3004 , where the rotational direction of reels 2920 and 2930 is reversed. If controller 360 does not detect the end of wide belt 2910 approaching, method 3000 proceeds to step 3006 where wide belt 2910 is stopped.
- step 3008 a portion of back lights 330 are illuminated behind wide belt 2910 such that a game outcome is indicated. Method 3000 in step 3010 then awards any prizes that were indicated to the player in step 3008 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Educational Technology (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Slot Machines And Peripheral Devices (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application having Ser. No. 10/806,636 filed Mar. 23, 2004, and entitled “Gaming Display with Moveable Indicator and Methods of Use, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application having Ser. No. 10/309,736, filed Dec. 3, 2002, and entitled “Gaming Device With Animated Figure,” which is a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,537,152 to Seelig et al., which issued on Mar. 25, 2003.
- This application also claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/824,136, filed Aug. 31, 2006 and entitled “Gaming Display with Movable Indicator and Methods of Use”. The contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in entirety.
- The present invention relates to gaming devices and, more particularly, to a gaming device having at least one moveable indicator that indicates a prize to a player.
- Gaming devices are well known in the art, and a large variety of gaming devices have been developed. In general, gaming devices allow users or players to play a game. In many casino-type gaming devices, the outcome of the game depends, at least in part, on a randomly generated event. For example, a gaming device may use a random number generator to generate a random or pseudo-random number (hereinafter, both types are referred to as a “random number”).
- The random number can be used to determine a game outcome. For example, the random number may then be compared to a predefined table to determine a corresponding outcome of the event. If the random number falls within a certain range of numbers on the table, the player may win the corresponding predefined prize. The table may also contain display information that allows the gaming device to generate a display that corresponds to the outcome of the game. The gaming device may present the outcome of the game on a large variety of display devices, such as mechanical spinning reels or video screens.
- Some gaming devices award bonus prizes in addition to prizes that are awarded in a primary game. Of course, the prize in the primary game may simply be the opportunity to play the bonus game. A bonus prize is generally defined as a prize in addition to the prize obtained from the primary game and that is awarded to the player when a predefined event occurs. An example of a bonus game can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,932 to Adams. Adams discloses a primary game having three spinning game reels and a bonus game having a bonus display with one spinning wheel. The spinning wheel is divided into multiple sections, and each section has a symbol representing a prize. When predetermined indicia are displayed on the spinning game reels of the primary game, the wheel of the bonus display spins and stops. The bonus prize is displayed as the symbol on the wheel being pointed to by a pointer. The bonus prize is awarded in addition to any prizes awarded in the primary game. Another bonus game is disclosed in Baerlocher et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,863). Baerlocher et al. discloses a slot machine with a bonus award display. The bonus award display has a bonus wheel and a mechanical, movable pointer.
- One of the problems associated with the devices disclosed in these references is that the outcome of the bonus game is communicated to the player almost immediately. When a bonus game is triggered, a bonus award is selected, displayed, and awarded to the player. The player can see what the outcome of the game is immediately after the pointers have stopped moving. What has long been needed is a device that utilizes intermediate steps between the occurrence of the bonus event and the awarding of the bonus prize to add an additional element of anticipation and excitement for the players. It is further desired that the intermediate steps involve an eye-catching display. Another problem associated with Adams and Baerlocher et al. is that they utilize a plain combination of wheel and pointer. The applicants have discovered more things that can be done to display devices to make them more attractive and interesting to play.
- Generally, bonus prizes are awarded in order to increase the excitement and enjoyment experienced by players, which attracts more players to the game and encourages players to play longer. When this occurs, the gaming devices tend to be more commercially successful relative to other gaming devices. A shortcoming of present bonus games is that they do not sufficiently allow players to interact with the gaming device, including during bonus games.
- Other attempts have been made to provide player interaction. U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,573 to Baerlocher et al. (hereinafter, “Baerlocher”) purports to suggest a gaming device with an electronic “wheel of fortune game.” Several flippers appear to indicate positions on the wheel. Baerlocher appears to suggest that the player may be allowed to choose which flipper is used to select an indicium on the wheel. The player, however, does not appear to have any control over the position of the flipper and the flippers do not appear to be capable of moving to different positions.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,300 to Glavich (hereinafter, “Glavich”) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,995 to Hughs-Baird et al. (hereinafter, “Hughs-Baird”) purport to suggest a gaming system having a bonus feature where a player may be allowed to select a number of selectable items, which may be prize representations, on a video display. Glavich and Hughs-Baird do not appear to suggest using prize indicators, moveable prize indicators, or allowing a player to position a prize indicator.
- The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do not necessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:
- provide a highly attractive and entertaining device for conducting games;
- provide a highly attractive and entertaining device for displaying prizes;
- the ability to attract more patrons to play a game;
- the ability to encourage players to play longer on a gaming apparatus;
- provide at least one attractive prize indicator;
- provide a unique combination of reel-type display and moveable indicator;
- provide a display for displaying indicia on a first axis and a moveable indicator configured to indicate an indicium from a second axis orthogonal to the first axis;
- allow players to control the movement of a prize indicator;
- provide a moving display surface;
- provide a moving display with a relatively long path length;
- provide a display that allows for a relatively larger number of indicia to be displayed;
- provide a display that allows for relatively larger indicia to be displayed;
- provide a display surface that can be formed into a large variety of shapes;
- provide a moveable display surface that can be guided into various shapes;
- create additional suspense for players by increasing the length of time between the start of a game and the display of the game outcome;
- allow players to control the movement of a moving display surface;
- provide the illusion that the player can influence the outcome of a game;
- provide a game that allows for more player interaction;
- utilize intermediate steps between the occurrence of the bonus event and the awarding of the bonus prize; and
- provide an additional element of anticipation and excitement for players.
- These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification, claims, and abstract.
- In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a gaming apparatus that includes a display device that has a moveable display surface. The moveable display surface comprises several indicia. One or more guide tracks retain at least a portion of the moveable display surface such that the guide track can alter a position of the moveable display surface. An actuator is coupled with the moveable display surface such that the actuator can move the moveable display surface. A controller is in communication with the actuator and can position the display surface such that at least one of the indicia conveys a game outcome.
- In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a method of playing a game. The method includes determining a game outcome and moving a display surface. The display surface has several indicia. The display surface is guided using a guide track to form a concave portion of the display surface. The display surface is guided using a roller to form a convex portion of the display surface. The display surface is stopped, and at least one of the indicia is indicated as the game outcome.
- In an additional embodiment, the present invention comprises a gaming apparatus that includes a display device that has a moveable display surface. The moveable display surface has several indicia. A guide track retains a portion of the moveable display surface. The guide track alters a position of the moveable display surface. An actuator is coupled with the moveable display surface such that the actuator can move the moveable display surface. An indicator is positioned adjacent to the display surface to indicate at least one of the indicia. A controller is in communication with the actuator and the indicator. The controller can move the display surface and position the indicator such that in combination, the display surface and the indicator convey a game outcome.
- In yet another embodiment, the present invention comprises gaming apparatus that includes a display device that has a moveable display surface. A guide track retains a portion of the moveable display surface. The guide track alters a first shape of the moveable display surface as the moveable display surface is moved. A roller supports a portion of the moveable display surface. The roller alters a second shape of the moveable display surface as the moveable display surface is moved. An actuator is coupled with the moveable display surface such that the actuator can move the moveable display surface. A controller is in communication with the actuator and can direct the actuator to move the display surface.
- In still another embodiment, the present invention comprises a gaming apparatus that includes a display device that has a moveable band. The moveable band has an inner surface and an outer surface. A first set of rollers is positioned adjacent the inner surface for supporting the moveable band, and a second set of rollers is positioned adjacent the outer surface for supporting the moveable band. An actuator is coupled with the moveable band such that the actuator can move the moveable band. A controller is in communication with the actuator and can cause the moveable band to move.
- In an additional embodiment, the present invention includes a gaming apparatus that has a display device with a moveable band. The moveable band has an inner surface and an outer surface, a first end and a second end. Several indicia are disposed on the outer surface. A first reel is coupled to the first end of the moveable band, and a second reel is coupled to the second end of the moveable band. A first actuator is coupled to the first reel such that the first actuator can rotate the first reel. A second actuator is coupled to the second reel such that the second actuator can rotate the second reel. A controller is in communication with the first and second actuators such that the controller can control movement of the moveable band.
- The above description sets forth, rather broadly, the more important features of the present invention so that the detailed description of the preferred embodiment that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and will form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
- Certain embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings wherein:
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FIG. 1 a is substantially a front elevation view of an embodiment of the gaming apparatus of the present invention. -
FIG. 1 b is substantially a schematic diagram showing components of an embodiment of the gaming apparatus. -
FIG. 2 a is substantially a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a display device of a prize display. -
FIG. 2 b is substantially a perspective view of the display device shown inFIG. 2 a with a band on which indicia are affixed. -
FIG. 3 is substantially a side elevation view of one embodiment of a positioning mechanism of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is substantially a partial cross-sectional view of the gaming apparatus of FIG. -
FIG. 5 is substantially a front elevation view of an embodiment of a gaming apparatus of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is substantially a flowchart of a gaming method of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is substantially a front perspective view of an embodiment of a gaming apparatus of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is substantially a side elevation view of an embodiment of a gaming apparatus according to the present invention. -
FIG. 9 is substantially a front view of a gaming apparatus according to the present invention, including a cut away view showing the interior of the gaming apparatus. -
FIG. 10 is substantially a flowchart of a method according to the present invention. -
FIG. 11 is substantially a flowchart of a method according to the present invention. -
FIG. 12 is substantially a flowchart of a method according to the present invention. -
FIG. 13 is substantially a flowchart of a method according to the present invention. -
FIG. 14 is substantially a flowchart of a method according to the present invention. -
FIG. 15 is substantially a front view of another embodiment of a gaming apparatus according to the present invention. -
FIG. 16 is substantially a perspective view of the gaming apparatus ofFIG. 15 with the housing removed. -
FIG. 17 is substantially a partial cross-sectional view of the gaming apparatus ofFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 18 is substantially a side view of a guide track and band. -
FIG. 19 is substantially a cross-sectional view of a guide track and band. -
FIG. 20 is substantially a flowchart of a gaming method according to the present invention using the apparatus ofFIGS. 15-19 . -
FIG. 21 is substantially a front view of another embodiment of a gaming apparatus according to the present invention. -
FIG. 22 is substantially a partial cross-sectional view of the gaming apparatus ofFIG. 21 . -
FIG. 23 is substantially a side elevation view of one embodiment of a positioning mechanism of the present invention. -
FIG. 24 is substantially a flowchart of a gaming method according to the present invention using the apparatus ofFIGS. 21-23 . -
FIG. 25 is substantially a flowchart of another gaming method according to the present invention using the apparatus ofFIGS. 21-23 . -
FIG. 26 is substantially a front view of another embodiment of a gaming apparatus according to the present invention. -
FIG. 27 is substantially a partial cross-sectional view of the gaming apparatus ofFIG. 26 . -
FIG. 28 is substantially a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a gaming apparatus according to the present invention. -
FIG. 29 is substantially a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a gaming apparatus according to the present invention. -
FIG. 30 is substantially a flowchart of a gaming method according to the present invention using the apparatus ofFIG. 29 . -
FIG. 31 is substantially a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a gaming apparatus according to the present invention. - In the following detailed description of at least one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- As seen in
FIG. 1 a, the present invention comprises a gaming apparatus, generally indicated byreference number 10. In at least one embodiment,gaming apparatus 10 comprises asecond display 12 and aprimary gaming device 14.Gaming device 14 may be any of a large number of devices that are adapted to allow players to play a game, such as gaming devices typically found in arcade and casino environments, including arcade games, video games, gambling machines, video poker machines, slot machines, etc. In at least one embodiment,gaming device 14 is further adapted to allow a player to place a wager and play a game, such as a slot machine. -
Gaming device 14 may include a wager or value acceptor for accepting value (including currency and/or currency equivalents), such as acoin slot 16,card reader 18, or avoucher reader 19. In addition, a payout mechanism (not shown) and acoin receptacle 20 may be provided for awarding prizes or for dispensing value to players cashing out and retiring from a game. A printer (not shown) may also be provided for printing out cashless vouchers (not shown). Ahandle 22 and aninput device 24 may be provided for activatinggaming device 14 to begin a game. A pay table (not shown) may further be provided to allow a player to see what symbol or combination of symbols provide a winning event. In at least one preferred embodiment,gaming device 14 may be a S2000 or S Plus model gaming device manufactured by International Game Technology in Reno, Nev. -
Gaming device 14 may further include agaming outcome display 28 that may be positioned in front of thegaming device 14 so that a player (not shown) playinggaming device 14 can seegaming outcome display 28.Gaming outcome display 28 may utilizephysical game reels Game reels gaming device 14 to rotate the reels in a manner well known in the art. Eachgame reel game reel Game reels gaming device 14. - A
panel 36 may covergame reels game reels pay line 38 may be provided for the player to use in determining a game outcome based on the symbol or a combination of symbols positioned thereon. In an alternative embodiment,gaming outcome display 28 utilizes a video display (FIG. 1 b) displaying images of game reels and an image of at least one pay line. A video display may also display game symbols in many other formats and arrangements, such as playing cards. Of course, the invention is not limited to any particular type ofgaming outcome display 28. Those of skill in the art will recognize that many different types of gaming outcome displays could be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. -
Gaming apparatus 10 may include asecond display 12 configured to display at least one game and prize to a player. In at least one embodiment,second display 12 is configured to display a bonus game and at least one bonus prize to the player. In other embodiments,second display 12 may provide a primary game. Alternatively,second display 12 may be a stand-alone device allowing a player to place a wager and play a game. - In at least one embodiment,
second display 12 is attached togaming device 14 and positioned on top ofgaming device 14. In other embodiments (not shown),second display 12 may be separate fromgaming device 14 but in communication withgaming device 14. In this embodiment,second display 12 may be in communication with a plurality ofdifferent gaming devices 14 via a computer network in a manner that is well known in the art.Second display 12 may also be positioned adjacent to or remote fromgaming device 14. In other embodiments,second display 12 is a stand-alone display not in communication withgaming device 14, and it may be capable of independently accepting wagers, conducting games, and awarding prizes to a player. - With continued reference to
FIG. 1 a,second display 12 may comprise ahousing 40.Housing 40 may be arc-shaped and comprise a plurality of walls defining an internal space or cavity. Of course,housing 40 may be made in many different shapes.Second display 12 also may have anindicator 43.Indicator 43 may be a variety of indicators, including two and three-dimensional indicators. -
Indicator 43 anddisplay device 42 may be positioned withinhousing 40.Indicator 43 may be configured to move vertically (up and down) relative tosecond display 12 in response to signals sent either by a controller (not shown) or a combination of an input device (not shown) and a controller (not shown). The number ofindicators 43 may vary, and the direction of their movement may vary, and may include horizontal, zigzag, and/or diagonal movements. - The shape or appearance of
indicator 43 may be designed in various forms and, preferably according to a theme of a game. In the example shown inFIG. 1 a, the theme of the game is a gaming device that awards players with vacations. Accordingly,indicator 43 is in the form of a vacationing person in a swimming outfit and in a swimming floatation tube.Indicator 43 may include apointer portion 64.Pointer portion 64 may be configured to point to at least oneindicium 44. Alternatively,indicator 43 may itself be a pointer, such as an arrow. The present invention is not limited to any particular type of indicator or pointer, or any particular representation of an indicator or pointer. -
Indicia 44 may be affixed, imprinted, engraved, or otherwise represented ondisplay device 42.Display device 42 may haveindicia 44 arranged inrows 44 a-c. Eachrow 44 a-c may includemultiple indicia 44.Indicia 44 may represent various things, including prize amounts, multipliers, descriptions or representation of merchandise or services, progressive prizes, or jackpot prizes. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 a,display device 42 is configured to presentmoveable indicia 44, which may move in various directions. As shown inFIG. 1 a, indicia 44 move horizontally, or on a rotational axis parallel to the vertical movement ofindicator 43. Of course, indicia 44 could be configured to move up and down, that is,display device 42 may have a horizontal rotational axis. - Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide
display devices 42 withindicia 44 moving on a first axis and anindicator 43 moving on a second axis, wherein themoveable indicator 43 is able to indicate anindicia 44 on the display device, which may be configured to move on an axis orthogonal to the axis ofindicator 43. - Referring now to
FIG. 1 b, a schematic diagram of some components that may be included in certain embodiments of gaming apparatus 10 (FIG. 1 a) is shown.Gaming apparatus 10 may includevalue acceptor controller 51.Controller 51 may be in communication with aninput device 24.Controller 51 may detect insertion of value intovalue acceptors input device 24. Oncecontroller 51 senses a signal to start the game,controller 51 may be configured to produce a random number and activatereel mechanism 53 ofgaming device 14.Reel mechanism 53 may be configured to display indicia (including symbols, characters, numbers, letters, pictures, and the like) ongame reels controller 51. Alternatively,controller 51 may be configured to produce a random number and activate avideo display 55 of reel images ongaming device 14. Thevideo display 55 of reels may be configured to display indicia in video form according to the random number generated bycontroller 51. The primary game ofgaming device 14, whether in physical form or in video form, is not limited to reel-type games, but may include card games, dominoes, roulette, craps, baccarat, and other games. -
Gaming apparatus 10 may further includespeakers housing lights 59,display device 42,indicator 43, andpointer portion 64 in communication withcontroller 51.Controller 51 may store bonus event information and may have the ability to detect bonus events. - Upon an occurrence of a bonus event,
controller 51 may activatespeakers housing lights 59, anddisplay device 42, which causesindicia 44 to move.Controller 51 may causeindicator 43 to move around an area adjacent to displaydevice 42.Controller 51 may then causeindicator 43 to stop, andpointer portion 64 to point to one of theindicia 44 ondisplay device 42. Housing lights 59 andspeakers - In at least one embodiment, when
gaming apparatus 10 is not in use,indicator 43,housing lights 59, anddisplay speakers controller 51 in an attract mode. Housing lights 59 may operate, blink or flash, andindicator 43 may dance or move in a choreographed manner according to music coming fromspeakers 56. It may be desirable thatindicator 43 not point to anindicium 44 at the conclusion of the attract mode in order that players close togaming device 10 do not mistakenly believe they are entitled to a prize.Controller 51 may activatedisplay device 42 andindicator 43 upon the occurrence of a bonus event. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, in at least one embodiment, display device 42 (FIG. 1 a) comprises a flat piece of material orband 46 wrapped around a plurality ofrollers Rollers band 46 about anaxis 47.Rollers chassis Band 46 hasindicia 44 thereon.Indicia 44 may be affixed to band 46 by various methods.Indicia 44 may be imprinted onband 46 in different configurations depending on the desired appearance ofindicia 44 whenband 46 is presented onsecond display 12. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 a,band 46 may move from left to right relative tosecond display 12 or vice-versa. Thus,indicia 44 are displayed in horizontal rows. - In at least one embodiment, a
light matrix 56 is positioned behindband 46 to back-light indicia 44.Light matrix 56 may comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs), fluorescent lights, incandescent lights, or other illumination devices that may makeband 46 more attractive. Asuitable display device 42 may be obtained from Starpoint Electronics Ltd. of Chessington, UK (model FM2). - In another embodiment,
display device 42 may comprise at least one conventional reel assembly (not shown). A conventional reel assembly typically includes at least one chassis, an axle attached to the chassis, and a reel attached to the axle. The reel and chassis are typically coupled to an actuator that drives the axle, thereby rotating the reel. The reel typically has a strip of material attached to the circumference of the reel. Indicia are typically affixed to the strip of material by methods known in the art. Conventional reel assemblies may be joined in series, typically in a set of three. - The reel assembly may be positioned within housing 40 (
FIG. 1 a) so that the reel rotates about either a horizontal or vertical axis.Display device 42 may utilize the reel assemblies described in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/894,197, filed Jul. 27, 2001 and U.S. application Ser. No. 09/968,952, filed Oct. 1, 2001, which are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. application Ser. No. 09/894,197 discloses reel shelf assemblies arranged vertically so that each reel rotates about a vertical axis. U.S. application Ser. No. 09/968,952 discloses reel shelf assemblies having reels that are positioned at an angle relative to each other, side-by-side so that their chassis are away from the two reels positioned adjacent to each other, or combinations thereof. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , indicator 43 (FIG. 1 a) may be coupled to apositioning mechanism 72 by abracket 74.Positioning mechanism 72 may be located within the confines ofhousing 40. Aslot 76 in the front wall ofhousing 40 may be provided, which allowsbracket 74 to pass through the front wall.Positioning mechanism 72 may comprise aworm gear 78 rotatable by anactuator 80. In at least one embodiment,actuator 80 is attached to afirst wheel 84.Worm gear 78 may be attached to asecond wheel 86. Adrive belt 82 preferably rotates around thefirst wheel 84 andsecond wheel 86, thereby connectingactuator 80 andworm gear 78.Positioning mechanism 72 may communicate with acontroller 81, which may store information regarding pre-determined positions ofband 46 ofdisplay device 42.Sensors controller 81 and may be provided to allowcontroller 81 to detect the position ofindicator 43. Other devices may be used to detect the position ofindicator 43, such as optical readers and the like. - Referring now to
FIG. 4 , another embodiment of apositioning mechanism 150 is shown.Positioning mechanism 150 may be a vertically positionedworm gear 152 that is caused to rotate by anactuator 154.Indicator 43 may be attached toworm gear 152 by abracket 156 that is attached to anut 158 threaded onworm gear 152. Aslot 160 may be provided in the front wall of second display 12 (FIG. 1 a), which allowsbracket 156 to pass through the wall.Sensors 162 may be provided to allowcontroller 140, or other control mechanisms (not shown), to detect the position ofindicator 43. Whileindicator 43 is shown to move vertically inFIG. 4 , it may be moved in any desired manner, including horizontally, diagonally, or in a non-linear fashion, such as in a rotating or zigzag manner. - In another embodiment, a wheel (not shown) may be attached to
actuator 154. The periphery of the wheel may have at least one notch detectable by a sensor (not shown) and used by abonus game controller 141 or agame controller 140 to monitor the position ofindicator 43. Wheel andworm gear 152 may be rotated together byactuator 154. The sensor monitors the position ofindicator 43 by detecting the notch.Bonus game controller 141 orgame controller 140 may store information pertaining to the number of times the sensor has detected the notch and the corresponding position ofmoveable indicator 43. An optical interrupt (not shown) may be provided to reset the indicator position information. The sensor may be an infrared source and detector. In alternative embodiments, the periphery of the wheel may comprise portions with different reflective characteristics, such as absorbent paint lines, instead of a notch on the wheel. Actuators 80 (FIG. 3 ) and 154 may be a stepper motor, a servo motor, a gear motor, a solenoid, a rack and pinion, or other actuators known in the art. - With continued reference to
FIG. 4 , anelectronic controller 140 that utilizes arandom number generator 142 may control gaming device 14 (FIG. 1 a).Random number generator 142 produces a random or pseudo random number for each game. The outcome of the game may be determined by comparing the random number produced byrandom number generator 142 to a table of outcomes stored in a memory and accessed bycontroller 140. A number of different tables of outcomes may be used and different tables may be used for different games. The tables can be designed so that different prizes have different probabilities of being awarded. Such design techniques are well known in gaming and are described above. Examples of such designs are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419, issued to Telnaes, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,465, issued to Durham, which are hereby incorporated by reference.Controller 140 may cause gaming outcome display 28 (FIG. 1 a), e.g.,game reels random number generator 142. Of course,gaming device 14 may operate in many other ways and still achieve the objects of the present invention. -
Gaming device 14 may also be capable, viacontroller 140 or other control mechanism (not shown), of producing a bonus-activating event. This event may be many different types of events. For example, a bonus-activating event may comprise a game outcome such as displaying a particular symbol, e.g., a “bonus” symbol, or combination of symbols, such as a “7” symbol on each ofgame reels FIG. 1 a). If the game being played is poker based, the bonus-activating event may be an occurrence of a certain hand, such as a royal flush. Furthermore, a bonus-activating event may occur when a player accumulates a number of symbols or game outcomes over a number of separate game plays. For example, a bonus-activating event may occur when the player receives three “bonus” symbols during a period of time. The bonus-activating event may be based on an external event. For example, a bonus-activating event may occur when a group of players obtain a certain result. Sensors (not shown) may be provided external togaming device 14 to detect external bonus-activating events. -
Bonus game controller 141 may further be provided to detect when a bonus activating event occurs ingaming device 14.Gaming device controller 140 may determine the outcome of each game, and when a bonus-activating outcome occurs,gaming device controller 140 may transmit a signal tobonus game controller 141. Alternatively,bonus game controller 141 may periodically interrogategaming device controller 140.Bonus game controller 141 andgaming device controller 140 may be a single controller or separate controllers. In at least one embodiment,gaming device controller 141 is theGAM 2000 controller, available from Eagle Engineering of Pottstown, Pa. - The bonus prize may be determined by a random number generator (not shown) and a virtual pay table, such as the pay table described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,874 to Adams, which is hereby incorporated by reference. A simple pay table may also appear as follows:
TABLE 1 Random Number Amount Paid 0.00 to 0.50 $10.00 0.51 to 0.75 $50.00 0.76 to 0.95 ×2 0.96 to 1.00 $10,000.00 - For example, if the random number generator produced 0.45 as the game outcome, the controller may cause indicator 43 (
FIG. 1 a) to stop and pointer portion 64 (FIG. 1 a) to point to an indicium representing ten dollars. Alternatively, if the random number generator produced a value of 0.85, the controller may causeindicator 43 to stop andpointer portion 64 to point to anindicium 44 representing a multiplier of 2. The controller may then cause bonus meter 68 (FIG. 1 a) to display “10×2=20,” (assuming a base prize of ten dollars) and $20.00 would be awarded to the player. - The bonus selection process may be repeated for a predetermined number of times to accumulate several bonus prizes that are added to form the award to the game player. For example, the bonus game could be repeated three times to accumulate an award. The present invention is not limited to the example pay table shown. Furthermore, different kinds of bonus prizes may be awarded, such as progressive prizes, jackpot prizes, merchandise, services, prize multipliers, and additional games. Other effects may also be presented, such as pre-recorded sound from
speakers 69 and 70 (FIG. 1 a). -
Speakers gaming apparatus 10, or play music to attract and entertain patrons. Additionally, a variety of graphics and lights, preferably designed according to a particular theme, are displayed on second display 12 (FIG. 1 a). If the awarded bonus prize is money, the amount of the bonus prize may be added to the player's credit meter (not shown), may be dispensed to the player via a voucher or other cashless device, may be dispensed to coin receptacle 20 (FIG. 1 a), or an attendant may be summoned to award the prize to the player. - Referring now to
FIG. 5 , another embodiment of agaming apparatus 100, similar to gaming apparatus 10 (FIG. 1 a), is shown.Prize display 102 ofgaming apparatus 100 may comprisedisplay device 42. In this embodiment,band 46 is configured to move vertically around a horizontal axis of rotation.Prize display 102 also may comprise anindicator 104 that is similar to indicator 43 (FIG. 1 a).Indicator 104 may have an appearance that conforms to a theme of the game, which is a detective game in this embodiment. Thus,indicator 104 may look like a detective, such as a man wearing a trench coat and a hat. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5 ,indicator 104 moves horizontally.Indicator 104 may have apointer portion 106. As shown inFIG. 5 ,pointer portion 106 is in the form of the detective's magnifying glass. The magnifying glass may be real or fake. If it is desired to have a functioning magnifying glass, the magnifying glass may comprise a standard magnifying lens, a fresnel lens, or other device known in the art.Pointer portion 106 may be configured to substantially cover an indicium selected by the controller (not shown) and magnify the indicium for the player to see. The mechanism for drivingindicator 43, described above and shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 , may be used for drivingindicator 104. - Referring now to
FIG. 6 , agaming method 110 is shown wherein a player starts to play a game atstep 111. A controller, such ascontroller step 112. If a prize event has occurred, the controller produces a random number atstep 114. Atstep 116, the random number may be used to select a prize. Atstep 118, the controller may activatedisplay device 42. Atstep 120, the controller may causeindicator step 122, the controller may allow a player to control the movement ofindicator indicator 104 right and a button to moveindicator 104 left) or another input device, such as a touch-pad, a joystick, or a mouse. Atstep 124, the controller causesindicator step 126, the controller stopsindicator step 128, the controller causesdisplay device 42 to stop in a manner that would makeindicator step 130, the prize may be displayed on the bonus meter.Steps 118 to 128 may be repeated a predetermined number of times, and the sum of the prize values may be displayed. Lights and sounds may be generated to create a festive atmosphere. Atstep 132, a total prize may be awarded to the player. The cumulative prize may be multiplied by a multiplier in order to obtain the total prize. The multiplier may be fixed or randomly determined. - It is noted that the flowchart in
FIG. 6 shows only one possible embodiment. Some of the steps in the flowchart may be varied, changed in order, or eliminated and still fall within the scope of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 shows an additional alternate embodiment of a gaming device according to the present invention.FIG. 7 shows agaming device 200 having agaming apparatus 202 and agaming display 204, which may display all or part of a bonus game or primary game.Gaming apparatus 202 may be configured similarly to previously discussed embodiments, and may include a plurality of mechanical orvideo reels 210 located onprimary game display 208. A plurality ofindicia 212 may appear onreels 210. Apay line 226 may be included to assist players in determining whether they have won the game. Value acceptors, including acoin acceptor 228 andbill acceptor 224, may be included. The player may activate the game viabutton 218 or anarm 216. -
Game apparatus 202 may operate in conjunction withgaming display 204. The appearance of one ormore indicia 212 onpay line 226 may entitle the player to playgaming display 204. An example of bonus qualifying indicia isindicium 214. -
Gaming display 204 may contain a band ofmaterial 240 that rotates about a plurality ofrollers 246. Band 240 may have a plurality ofindicia 244 appearing thereon.Indicia 244 may indicate various prizes. Band 240 may have anedge 256. - Band 240 may resemble a printing press, including a magazine printing press, a newspaper printing press, and a money printing press. As shown in
FIG. 7 , a least a portion ofrollers 246 are arranged such thatband 240 is displayed at afirst position 268 ofgaming display 204 located towards the front ofgaming display 204. Band 240 then may be directed to asecond position 270 ofgaming display 204, such as passing behindroller 274, whereband 240 is located more in an interior portion ofgaming display 204. Band 240 may then be directed to athird position 272, which may be in the same plane asfirst position 268, located towards the front ofgaming display 204. In this way,band 240 may appear to be passing through a printing press. - As illustrated in
FIG. 7 ,band 240 appears to be a sheet of uncut paper currency, such as might be produced by the U.S. Treasury Department.Indicia 244 may appear to be currency bills having various values.Indicia 244 may indicate prizes such as an award of currency or credits, merchandise, services, game play, jackpots, and progressive prizes. Band 240 may have a variety ofdifferent indicia 244 imprinted, or otherwise appearing thereon. - Band 240 may be constructed from any suitable material. Band 240 may be constructed from a flexible material, such as various types of vinyl, plastic, rubber materials, and the like. The use of a flexible material may prevent
band 240 from tearing or creasing when it is moved. The material used to constructband 240 may be transparent or translucent, allowingband 240 to be backlit. - Band 240 may be coupled to a drive mechanism (not shown in
FIG. 7 ) so thatband 240 may be rotated aboutrollers 246. In operation,band 240 may be actuated prior to a bonus prize being awarded to the player.Indicia 244 that may be awarded may appear in a particular area, such asdisplay area 260, for display to the player.Display area 260 may be lighted or otherwise brought to the player's attention. - In at least one embodiment, an
indicator 250 is included that may point toparticular indicia 244.Indicator 250 may be configured to point to anindicium 244 that conveys the outcome ofgaming display 204. As shown inFIG. 7 ,indicator 250 is moveable in a horizontal manner. However,gaming display 204 is not limited to any particular configuration, andindicator 250 may move vertically, diagonally, or in a non-linear manner, as desired by the game designer.Indicator 250 may be lit, such as bylights 252, in order to makeindicator 250 more attractive and to call attention toindicator 250. In at least one embodiment,indicator 250 is illuminated only whengaming display 204 is active or whengaming display 204 is in an attract mode (such as has been previously described). - At least one advantage of
band 240, as illustrated inFIG. 7 , is that it may provide a relatively long path length. Accordingly, it may allow for more and/orlarger indicia 244 to be included onband 240. Atransparent bezel 256 may be mounted to the housing to cover theedge 256 ofband 240. -
FIG. 8 illustrates certain components of aband display 300 that may be included in a gaming device according to the present invention, including that depicted inFIG. 7 .Band display 300 may include adisplay device 302.FIG. 8 illustratesband 240 wrapped around a plurality ofrollers 246. In at least one embodiment, allrollers 246 are idler rollers that simply guideband 240 about the interior ofgaming display 204. One suitable roller is model number E8S001-01-ZZZZ available from Starpoint Electronics, Ltd. of Chessington, UK. A driven roller may be included to driveband 240.Driven roller 320 may be in communication with anactuator 310 in order to drive rotation of drivenroller 320. One suitable driven roller is model E8S002-01-ZZZZ from Starpoint. - In at least one embodiment,
band 240 is driven simply by frictional contact withroller 320. However, other arrangements may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example,roller 320 may have a portion with teeth (not shown) that could engage slots or holes (not shown) inband 240. -
Actuator 310 may be any number of suitable actuators, such as motors, including stepper motors, gear motors, and servo motors.Actuator 310 may rotate ashaft 312 in connection with awheel 314. Abelt 316 may linkwheel 314 to ashaft 318 of drivenroller 320. Rotation ofshaft 312 drives wheel 314 which in turn drivesbelt 316. The rotational force is passed frombelt 316 toshaft 318. Rotation ofshaft 318 may drive rotation ofroller 320. Frictional contact with rotating drivenroller 320 movesband 240. Optionally, an idler wheel or pulley (not shown) can be included on the opposing side ofband 240 in order to increase the frictional contact ofband 240 with drivenroller 320. - In another embodiment,
actuator 310 may be a stepper motor rotating a drive gear (not shown). The drive gear may be in communication with a spur gear (not shown) driving an idler shaft (not shown). The idler shaft in turn may be in communication with drivenroller 320. The idler shaft may also used to help transfer power to the side ofband 240 not located byactuator 310. - In at least one embodiment,
band 240 may pass over an areaproximate indicator 250. As shown inFIG. 8 ,indicator 250 may be attached to aworm gear 340.Worm gear 340 may be in communication with asuitable actuator 332, such as a servo motor, stepper motor, or the like.Indicator 250 may be attached to abracket 342.Bracket 342 may be threadably attached toworm gear 340. - In at least one embodiment,
indicator 250 includes one ormore lights 252 in order to call attention toindicator 250 and makeindicator 250 more attractive.Lights 252 may be of any suitable type, including light emitting diodes (LEDs). Bothlights 252 andindicator actuator 332 may be in communication with a controller, such ascontroller 360. -
Controller 360 may directlights 252 to illuminate and deactivate in accordance with game events, such as the execution of an attract mode, or a game outcome qualifying a player to playgaming display 204.Controller 360 also may direct the movement ofindicator 250. For example,controller 360 may moveindicator 250 upon activation ofgaming display 204.Controller 360 may directindicator 250 to stop, such as when a player activatesplayer input device 222. -
Controller 360 also may determine the position ofindicator 250, for example if the controller is preset with the starting position ofindicator 250,controller 360 may track the position ofindicator 250 by knowing in which direction (or directions)indicator 250 was moved, how fast it was moved, and for what period of time. Depending on theactuator 332 used,actuator 332 may provide feedback as to the position of indicator 250 (for example, if an indexing stepper motor is used). - It may be beneficial to provide an additional position sensor for
indicator 250. Those of skill in the art will recognize that various types of sensors could be used to track the position ofindicator 250. In one embodiment, optical sensors are used. For example, an infrared signal generator may be included on one side of worm gear 340 (FIG. 9 ). An infrared detector may be placed on the other side of worm gear 340 (FIG. 9 ). Whenindicator 250 is not in between the generator and detector, the detector detects the infrared signal. Whenindicator 250 is interposed between the signal generator and detector, the detector does not detect a signal. Therefore, when the signal is interrupted,controller 360 knows the position ofindicator 250. Such a positioning system may be a useful way to calibrateindicator 250. - Of course, other systems can be used, or additional signal generators and detectors used, including those that may allow for constant tracking of
indicator 250. For example, an optical sensor (not shown) may be attached tobracket 342. Optical readable indicia and patterns may be placed alongworm gear 340. Asbracket 342 travels alongworm gear 340 the sensor may read the indicia or patterns and communicate the position ofindicator 250 tocontroller 360. -
Controller 360 may also be in communication with ahousing 328 that may have a plurality oflights 330.Lights 330 may be any suitable illumination device, including LEDs, fluorescent lamps, and incandescent lamps. Lights may be arranged in anarray 334.Lights 330 may be activated by signals sent fromcontroller 360 in response to game events.Lights 330 may be used tobacklight band 240. Illumination ofband 240 may result in a more appealing look forgaming display 204 and call more attention to the area ofband 240 on whichindicator 250 may indicate a prize. -
Housing 328 may also contain aguide 326.Guide 326 may provide a surface to help positionband 240. For example, guide 326 may help maintainband 240 in a taut position, and keepband 240 from wrinkling, creasing, tearing, or getting caught in any of the actuating mechanisms, including the actuating mechanism forindicator 250. -
Controller 360 may also be in communication with a positioning system forband 240. It may be beneficial to be able to track the position ofband 240. For example, when a game outcome is determined, it is important to make sure thatindicator 250 points to the appropriate indicium or indicia onband 240. - Many suitable positioning systems can be used, including those used for
indicator 250. For example, aninfrared signal source 362 can be included on one side ofband 240. Aninfrared detector 364 may be located on the opposing side ofband 240. Infrared blocking materials may be placed at one or more locations onband 240. By tracking when the infrared signal is blocked,controller 360 may be able to calibrate and/or constantly track the position ofband 240 and any indicia appearing thereon. - In an alternative embodiment, a side of
band 240 contains a series of holes (not shown), cut-out portions, or similar optical interrupts. The optical interrupts may be read by an optical reader (not shown). The optical interrupts may convey the position ofband 240 tocontroller 360. - Of course,
gaming display 204 may be calibrated by the gaming operator from time to time, and position data fromactuator 310, such as an indexing stepper motor, may also be used to track the position ofband 240. - In at least one embodiment, the components of
band display 300 shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 are modular in nature. That is,band 240, indicator, 250, and their actuating mechanisms may be added and removed from a gaming device as a unit. For example, as shown inFIG. 8 , ahook 304 having aslot 306 may be attached to the frame ofband display 300, such as byfasteners 308, such as bolts or rivets. A receiver (not shown), such as a bar, may be provided within the gaming device for attachment to hook 304. -
FIG. 9 presents an alternate view of a gaming device according to the present invention.Portion 370 is a cut away view of the inner portion of an embodiment ofgaming display 204.Portion 372 is an outer view of the embodiment. - In
FIG. 9 , it can be seen that in at least one embodiment,rollers 246 are fitted with a plurality ofwheels 380.Wheels 380 may be made of a material that maintains strong frictional contact withband 240.Wheels 380 are preferably constructed of, or coated with, a relatively non-abrasive material so as not to damageband 240. For example,wheels 380 may be made of various types of rubber, plastic, and similar materials. -
Rollers 246 may be provided with a tensioning system that may both help maintain the position ofrollers 246, and maintain pressure onrollers 246 in order to ensure thatband 240 is taut. The tensioning system may include abase 381, which may be mounted to the frame of gaming display 204 (FIG. 7 ).Base 381 may be coupled to abiasing device 383, such as a spring.Biasing device 383 may be coupled to a moveable mounting area 385. Moveable mounting area 385 may be moved along atrack 387. Moveable mounting area 385 may include aplate 389 that is mounted to biasingdevice 383. -
Roller 246 may include apin 391 and ashaft end 393.Pin 391 may be held within roller mounting area 395. Roller mounting area 395 may include a raised area defining a hole (not shown). Whenroller 246 is inserted, biasingdevice 389 will pushroller 246 againstband 240.Roller 246 may then rotate aboutpin 391 while keepingband 240 taut. -
FIG. 9 also provides additional detail for a suitable actuator and positioning system forindicator 250. As was previously described,indicator 250 may be attached toworm gear 340 bybracket 342.Worm gear 340 may be actuated byactuator 332.Actuator 332 maybe attached to pulley 382 (which may be a timing pulley). A belt 384 (which may be a timing belt) may be attached to pulley 382 (which may be a timing pulley) and in contact withshaft end 386 ofworm gear 340. A positioning system, such asinfrared signal generator 390 andinfrared detector 392, may be included in order to assist in tracking the position ofindicator 250. In at least one embodiment,actuator 332 is stepper motor model HT23-396, available from Applied Motion Products of Watsonville, Calif. - In at least one embodiment,
bracket 342 is configured to resist rotating as it travels alongworm gear 340. One way this may be achieved is to include arail 343 that runs parallel toworm gear 340.Bracket 342 may be coupled torail 343.Rail 343 will preventbracket 342 from rotating, while allowing linear movement alongworm gear 340. - Turning now to
portion 372 ofFIG. 9 , there is illustrated a number ofindicia 244 appearing onband 240. As shown inFIG. 9 ,indicia 244 are representations of faux paper currency having various representations. Of course, anysuitable indicia 244 may be placed onband 240.Indicia 244 may be chosen to be relevant to a theme ofgaming device 200, orgaming display 204, such as the “Bank Roll” theme shown inFIGS. 7 and 9 . -
Indicia 244 may represent prizes that a player may be awarded. For example,indicia 394 may represent an amount of money or gaming credits.Indicia 396 may represent a multiplier by which the player's winnings from one or more gaming rounds may be multiplied.Indicia 398 may represent special awards, such as a good, a service, a jackpot, or a progressive amount. Of course,indicia 244 may represent many other prizes without departing from the scope of the present invention. - In certain embodiments,
portion 372 may include aslot 388. A portion ofindicator 250 orbracket 342 may extend throughslot 388.Slot 388 may allowindicator 250 to be displayed to the player, and actuated, but hides the inner workings of gaming display 204 (FIG. 7 ) from the player. Of course, other means of hiding the inner workings ofgaming display 204, including the actuation system forindicator 250, from the player could be used. For example, rather than a slot, the actuation mechanism could be located below the area ofgaming display 204 viewable by the player.Indicator 250 could be attached to the actuation mechanism in this area, and then extend upward into the area viewable by the player. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 7 and 9 , incertain embodiments pointer 250 moves along a first axis. Band 240 (which may function as a display surface) moves along a second axis.Indicia 244 appearing onband 240 move along the second axis asband 240 moves. In certain embodiments, the first axis is orthogonal to the second axis. The first and second axes may be used to define a coordinate system, with eachindicia 244 appearing onband 240 corresponding to a specific coordinate in the system.Controller 360 may be programmed with the coordinates of eachindicia 244, allowingcontroller 360 to ensure that the proper indicium orindicia 244 corresponding to a game outcome is displayed onceband 240 andindicator 250 are stopped. - One method of
operation 500 of an embodiment of the present invention, such as the device depicted inFIG. 7 , is illustrated inFIG. 10 . A game is presented to a player instep 502. Atdecision 504,method 500 checks to see if the player has placed a wager. If not,method 500 returns to step 502. - If the player places a wager at
decision 504,method 500 proceeds to determine a game outcome instep 506. The outcome is presented to the player atstep 508. Atdecision 510,method 500 checks to see if the game outcome determined instep 506 is an outcome qualifying the player to play a bonus game. If not,method 500 proceeds to step 512 and awards the player any prizes awarded according the game outcome determined instep 506, and returns to step 502. - If it is determined in
step 510 that the game outcome ofstep 506 qualifies the player for a bonus game,method 500 proceeds to step 514. Atstep 514,gaming display 204 is activated. This may include activation ofband 240,indicator 250, andplayer input device 222. Lights and sounds may also be activated to make the event more exciting to the player and those around the player, as well as to call attention to the device. -
Method 500 then proceeds to step 516 whereband 240 is actuated. Instep 518, the player may be allowed to control the movement ofindicator 250 usingplayer input device 222. For example, in the device depicted inFIG. 7 , the player may be allowed to move the indicator left and right, and to stop the indicator at a desired location. -
Method 500 proceeds todecision 520, which checks to see whetherindicator 250 has been stopped. Ifindicator 250 has not been stopped,method 500 returns to step 516 and continues to moveband 240 and allow the player to moveindicator 250. - If
decision 520 determines that the player has stoppedindicator 250,method 500 proceeds to step 522. Atstep 522, a controller (which may becontroller band 240 until the indicium corresponding to the game outcome is indicated byindicator 250.Method 500 then awards any prizes to the player instep 524 and returns to step 502. - Of course many variations of this method can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the game outcome determined in
step 506 can include both the outcome of the primary game and the bonus game. Alternatively, the bonus game outcome can be determined in a separate step once the bonus game begins. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a method whereband 240 moves at the same time a player is positioningindicator 250. In another embodiment,band 240 may be stationary while the player positionsindicator 250. Once the player has chosen a position forindicator 250,band 240 can be moved until the appropriate indicium is indicated byindicator 250. - The player could be allowed to select the position of
indicator 250 in a variety of ways. For example, the player could be provided with directional buttons and a stop button. Alternatively,indicator 250 could be moved in an automated fashion bycontroller 360. The player could activate a stop button whenindicator 250 is at the position the player desires. - As may be apparent from the above description, it may be desirable to arrange
indicia 244 onband 240 such that enough of each type ofindicia 244 are included in order that any indicia can be indicated byindicator 250 at any position to whichindicator 250 is moved. For example, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7 ,indicia 244 are illustrated as appearing in a matrix of rows and columns, withindicator 250 being positionable at a particular column. Accordingly, it may be beneficial to have at least one of theindicia 244 representing each prize that may be awarded appear on at least one row of each column ofband 240. - An alternative method of
operation 600 is illustrated inFIG. 11 . Steps 602-612 may correspond to steps 502-512 described above. Atstep 614,gaming display 204 may be activated, includingband 240,indicator 250, andplayer input device 222. Lights and sounds may be activated, as previously described.Band 240 andindicator 250 are moved atstep 616. -
Decision 618 checks to see whetherplayer input device 222 has been activated. Ifinput device 222 has not been activated,method 600 returns to step 616. Ifplayer input device 222 has been activated,band 240 is stopped atstep 620. Band 240 may be stopped quickly or may gradually come to a stop. -
Method 600 then proceeds to step 622. Atstep 622,indicator 250 is moved to indicate the indicium or indcia conveying the outcome of the bonus game. Any prizes are awarded instep 624, and thenmethod 600 returns to step 602. -
Method 600 may be configured to allow a player to stopband 240 in a specific position, or simply to choose whenband 240 will begin to stop. If the player is allowed to choose a specific position forband 240, it may be desirable to have at least one of each prize represented byindicia 244 that may be awarded appear on each row ofband 240. Of course, if the player may not choose the exact position ofband 240, it may be less desirable to include everyindicia 244 on each row. Indeed, not allowing the player to choose an exact position forband 240 may allow a greater variety ofindicia 244 to be presented onband 240. - Another
gaming method 700 is illustrated inFIG. 12 . Steps 702-712 may correspond to steps 502-512 and 602-612 described above. Atstep 714, one or more player input devices are activated that allow a player to select one or more specific indicator positions. For example,indicia 244 onband 240 could be formed in a plurality of columns. The player input device(s) may allow a player to positionindicator 250 by a specific column. - At
step 716,method 700 checks to see if the player has provided input. If not,method 700 cycles back to step 714 until input is provided. Once the player has provided input,method 700 proceeds to step 718 and movesindicator 250 to the position selected by the player. Atstep 720, the display is moved so thatindicator 250 points to the indicium conveying the game outcome. Any prize or prizes are awarded in step 722 and thenmethod 700 may return to step 702. - In an alternative embodiment, the player may be allowed to choose a position after the game is begun. In any embodiment, the player's choice of position for
indicator 250 might be reflected onband 240, such as illuminating a column ofband 240 corresponding to the pre-set position ofindicator 250 chosen by the player. - Various additions, subtractions, and permutations of the steps in the above described methods can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the player may be allowed to select both the position of
indicator 250 and to indicate whenband 240 should begin to stop (although not the final position of band 240). The more the player is allowed to interact withgaming apparatus 202, the more control over the outcome of the game the player may feel, which may make the game more enjoyable to the player. Of course, regulatory concerns may dictate that the player's perceived control be largely or completely illusionary. - Methods of operating
gaming display 204, includingmethods band 240 and/orindicator 250 after a certain time. For example,controller 360 could be programmed to automatically stopindicator 250 and/orband 240 after the passage of a certain amount of time, such as thirty seconds. While it may be beneficial to give the player some interaction withgaming display 204, it may also be desirable to ensure that each game round completes in a timely fashion. - Of course, certain embodiments of the present invention, such as
method 800 ofFIG. 13 , may employ no player input. Steps 802-812 may correspond to steps 502-512 ofFIG. 10 . Atstep 814,indicator 250 is moved to a position, which may be randomly selected bycontroller 360. Atstep 816,band 240 may be moved so thatindicator 250 points to an indicium conveying the game outcome. Any prizes may be awarded atstep 818 beforemethod 800 returns to step 802. Of course, steps 814 and 816 may be reversed or presented simultaneously. Also,band 240 could be randomly moved, withindicator 250 being moved to indicate the game outcome. - Another
method 900 of game play that may be used with embodiments of the present invention, including that ofFIG. 5 , is shown inFIG. 14 .Method 900 may award two types of prizes, illustrated inFIG. 5 ascriminal prizes 108 orclue prizes 109. Of course, the prizes could be called or represent various things, have different values than those that will be described, and could be represented by images other than those specifically illustrated. After a game has begun,indicator 250 is moved atstep 902.Band 46 is moved atstep 904. A player input device is activated and the gaming device waits for player input atdecision 906. If no player input is provided,method 900 cycles back tostep 902. If input is provided,method 900 proceeds to step 908. - At
step 908,indicator 250 is stopped. Atstep 910,band 46 is stopped so thatindicator 250 indicates the indicium conveying the game outcome.Decision 912 checks to see if the indicium is a clue award or a criminal award. If the indicium is a criminal award,method 900 adds a criminal prize to the total prize atstep 914. The total prize is awarded to the player atstep 916. - If
decision 912 determines that the indicium is a clue prize,method 900 proceeds todecision 918.Decision 918 checks to see whether the player has obtained a maximum number of clues, for example, 4. If not,method 900 proceeds to step 920 and adds a clue prize to the total prize and game play continues atstep 902. - If
decision 918 determines that the player has obtained the maximum number of clues,method 900 awards a jackpot prize atstep 922, and game play ends. - Although embodiments of the invention described and depicted in
FIGS. 7-14 have been described as a bonus game in conjunction with a primary game, the present invention is not so limited. For example, gaming display 204 (FIG. 7 ) could be configured as a primary game. A player could make a wager andgaming display 204 could indicate winning and losing outcomes and dispense prizes accordingly. Also, rather than being attached to a primary gaming device,gaming display 204 could be located apart from gaming apparatus 202 (FIG. 7 ).Gaming display 204 could also be connected tomultiple gaming apparatuses 202. The present invention is not limited to a particular configuration or configurations. - With reference now to
FIGS. 15-19 , an additional embodiment of a gaming device according to the present invention is shown.Gaming device 1500 has agaming display device 1502.Gaming device 1500 can be a bonus game that can be mounted in ahousing 1001 in conjunction with agaming apparatus 202 as shown inFIG. 7 . Afront panel 1503 is mounted tohousing 1001. -
Gaming display device 1502 can have a belt orband 240 that is supported for rotational movement byrollers 246. Band 240 can have andoutside surface 240A, aninner surface 240B, a pair of outer peripheral edges orsides display surface 241. Band 240 can be a flexible belt that is formed in a continuous loop. Band 240 can be formed from any suitable material such as rubber or plastic. Band 240 can be partially transparent such thatband 240 can be backlit bylights 330 that are mounted in ahousing 328 as was previously described.Controller 360 is in communication withlights 330 and can control the operation oflights 330. Band 240 can have adisplay surface 241.Various indicia 244 are arranged inrows 1560 andcolumns 1570 ondisplay surface 241 to form amatrix 1565.Indicia 244 can be printed onband 240. -
Controller 360 can rotatably control the position ofband 240 using anactuator 310 driving drivenroller 320 in the same manner as previously described forFIG. 7 .Controller 360 is in communication withactuator 310. The position ofband 240 can be monitored bycontroller 360 using a sensor formed bysource 362 anddetector 364. -
Gaming display device 1502 can include several band guide portions, guide channels or guide tracks 1520.Guide tracks 1520 can be mounted tohousing 1001 and extend along all or a portion of eachedge band 240.Guide tracks 1520 are used to guide andform band 240 into a variety of shapes asband 240 is moved or rotated byactuator 310. For example, guidetracks 1520 can guideband 240 inwardly such that aconcave area 1510 is formed byband 240.Guide tracks 1520 can have a curved, arched, straight or rounded shape.Guide tracks 1520 can guide portions ofband 240 into other shapes such as convex areas or areas with various degrees of sloping, flat or curved surfaces.Guide tracks 1520 can be made from various materials such as metal or plastic. The use ofguide tracks 1520 can eliminate the use of the central roller 246 (FIG. 7 ).Guide tracks 1520 can shapeband 240 into complex shapes that cannot be formed by the use of rollers alone. The use ofguide tracks 1520 can also reduce wear onband 240. -
FIGS. 18 and 19 show two different cross-sectional views ofguide track 1520 andband 240.Guide track 1520 can include ends 1520A and 1520B andside sections outer end section 1526. Inner ends 1528 and 1530 face towardband 240. A channel orslot 1534 is located betweenside sections rounded portion 1536 may be formed inguide track 1520 and may be connected withslot 1534. - A ball or
bead 1550 is formed on sides oredges band 240.Bead 1550 has a larger dimension than the width ofslot 1534. Therefore,bead 1550 fits into and is retained incircular portion 1536. Agap 1538 is formed betweenbead 1550 andcircular portion 1536. Asband 240 is moved bycontroller 360 andactuator 310,bead 1550 slides throughcircular portion 1536 along the length ofguide track 1520 and is moved inwardly or positioned to form a concave area orcavity 1510.Guide tracks 1520 can be used to form orposition band 240 into other shapes such as convex, sloped or flat. - While guide tracks 1520 were shown to form the shape of
band 240, a series of rollers (not shown) positioned on each side of the belt could also be used to form the shape ofband 240. - After
band 240 is stopped, a game outcome 1580 (FIG. 15 ) can be conveyed or indicated by illuminating a portion or set oflights 330 behindband 240. In the example shown inFIG. 15 , theindicium 244 having a value of 60 credits is shown illuminated as the game outcome.Controller 360 can control and select the movement and stop position ofband 240 and further can control the illumination oflights 330. - A method of operating
gaming device 1500 ofFIGS. 15-19 is shown inFIG. 20 . Inmethod 2000, a player places a wager on a primary gaming device atstep 2002. Atstep 2004, the player plays a base game on the base gaming apparatus 202 (FIG. 7 ). Atdecision 2006,method 2000 checks to see if the game outcome determined instep 2004 is an outcome qualifying the player to play a bonus game. If not,method 2000 proceeds to step 2008 and notifies the player of the game outcome determined instep 2004, and returns to step 2002. - If it is determined in
step 2006 that the game outcome ofstep 2004 qualifies the player for a bonus game,method 2000 proceeds to step 2010. Atstep 2010, the bonus game outcome is determined. Atstep 2012,gaming display device 1502 is activated. This may include activation ofband 240 and lights 330. Other lights and sounds may also be activated to make the event more exciting to the player and those around the player, as well as to call attention to the device. -
Method 2000 then proceeds to step 2014 whereband 240 is moved or rotated. This may include usingguide tracks 1520 to formband 240 into various shapes. Atstep 2016,band 240 is stopped. A portion oflights 330 are illuminated behind one of theindicia 244 onband 240 atstep 2018.Method 2000 then awards any prizes to the player instep 2020. - With reference now to
FIGS. 18-19 and 21-23, an additional embodiment of agaming device 2100 according to the present invention is shown.Gaming device 2100 has agaming display device 2102.Gaming device 2100 can be a bonus game that can be mounted in ahousing 1001 in conjunction with agaming apparatus 202 as shown inFIG. 7 . Afront panel 1503 is mounted tohousing 1001. -
Game display device 2102 can have aprize band 240 that is supported for rotational movement byrollers 246 and guide tracks 1520. Band 240 can have adisplay surface 241. Band 240 can have andoutside surface 240A, aninner surface 240B and a pair of outer peripheral edges orsides bead 1550 that is retained byguide track 1520 as was previously described inFIGS. 18 and 19 .Bead 1550 can causeband 240 to slide throughguide track 1520. - Band 240 can be a flexible belt. Band 240 can be driven by
controller 360 andactuator 310. Band 240 can be backlit bylights 330 that are mounted in ahousing 328 as was previously described.Various indicia 2130 can be displayed atprize positions 2125 ondisplay surface 241.Prize positions 2125 can simulate or appear to be rocks printed ondisplay surface 241. -
Gaming device 2100 can have a game theme of a waterfall such as Niagara Falls.Gaming device 2100 can include various waterfall features such as a falling river orrapids 2110,waterfall 2115 and apool 2120.Display surface 241 can be printed to resemble water. Whenband 240 is moved, the water can appear to move to an observer. A pool ofwater 2120 can be formed by a flat panel mounted in front ofband 240. - A falling river or
rapids 2110 can be formed by the combination ofseveral rollers 246 andseveral guide tracks 1520 at the top ofgaming display device 2102.Rollers 246 and guidetracks 1520cause band 240 to move or undulate up and down asband 240 is rotated or moved.Rollers 246guide band 240 upwardly forming aconvex portion 1509 and guidetracks 1520guide band 240 downwardly formingconcave portions 1510.Display surface 241 undulates betweenrollers 246 and guide tracks 1520. The movement ofband 240 overrollers 246 and throughguide tracks 1520 appears to simulate the motion of a river with rapids. - A moveable
mechanical indicator 2140 can be mounted tohousing 1001 betweenpool panel 2120 andband 240.Indicator 2140 can appear to be a boat such as a rescue boat or a fishing boat. As shown inFIG. 23 ,indicator 2140 may be coupled to apositioning mechanism 72 by abracket 74.Positioning mechanism 72 may be located within the confines ofhousing 1001.Positioning mechanism 72 may comprise aworm gear 78 that is rotatable by anactuator 80. - In at least one embodiment,
actuator 80 is attached to afirst wheel 84.Worm gear 78 may be attached to asecond wheel 86. Adrive belt 82 may rotate around thefirst wheel 84 andsecond wheel 86, thereby connectingactuator 80 andworm gear 78.Positioning mechanism 72 may communicate with acontroller 360, which may store information regarding pre-determined positions ofband 240.Sensors controller 360 and may be provided to allowcontroller 360 to detect the position ofindicator 2140. Other devices may be used to detect the position of the indicator, such as optical readers. -
Lights 2145 can be mounted onindicator 2140.Lights 2145 can be light emitting diodes and can be connected with and controlled bycontroller 360. - With reference now to
FIGS. 21 and 22 , agame outcome 2135 can be conveyed or indicated by movingband 240 andindicator 2140, such that one of theprize positions 2125 are aligned aboveindicator 2140.Lights 2145 can further be illuminated to draw attention to the game outcome. In the example shown inFIG. 21 ,indicator 2140 indicates theindicium 2135 having a value of 20 credits as the game outcome. -
Player input devices housing 1001.Player input devices Player input devices indicator 2140.Player input device 2160 movesindicator 2140 to the left andplayer input device 2165 movesindicator 2140 to the right. After a player movesindicator 2140 usingplayer input devices controller 360 then moves and stopsband 240 to select anindicium 2130 to be awarded. -
Gaming device 2100 can be operated such that a player playinggaming device 2100 appears to view water falling overwaterfall 2115 and a game outcome indicated by aboat 2140. - A method of operating
gaming device 2100 ofFIG. 21 is shown inFIG. 24 . Inmethod 2400, a player places a wager on a primary gaming device atstep 2402. Atstep 2404, the player plays a base game on the base gaming apparatus 202 (FIG. 7 ). Atdecision 2406,method 2400 checks to see if the game outcome determined instep 2404 is an outcome qualifying the player to play a bonus game. If not,method 2400 proceeds to step 2408 and notifies the player of the game outcome determined instep 2404, and returns to step 2402. - If it is determined in
step 2406 that the game outcome ofstep 2404 qualifies the player for a bonus game,method 2400 proceeds to step 2410. Atstep 2410, the bonus game outcome is determined. Atstep 2412,gaming display device 2102 is activated. This may include activation ofband 240 andindicator 2140. Other lights and sounds may also be activated to make the event more exciting to the player and those around the player, as well as to call attention to the device. -
Method 2400 then proceeds to step 2414, whereband 240 is moved or rotated. Atstep 2416,indicator 2140 is moved.Band 240 is stopped atstep 2418.Indicator 2140 can by stopped bycontroller 360 atstep 2420.Method 2400 then awards any prizes indicated by the combination of theindicator 2140 andband 240 to the player instep 2422. - Another method of operating
gaming device 2100 ofFIG. 21 is shown inFIG. 25 . Inmethod 2500, a player places a wager on a primary gaming device atstep 2402. Atstep 2404, the player plays a base game on the base gaming apparatus 202 (FIG. 7 ). Atdecision 2406,method 2500 checks to see if the game outcome determined instep 2404 is an outcome qualifying the player to play a bonus game. If not,method 2500 proceeds to step 2408 and notifies the player of the game outcome determined instep 2404, and then returns to step 2402. - If it is determined in
step 2406 that the game outcome ofstep 2404 qualifies the player for a bonus game,method 2500 proceeds to step 2410. Atstep 2410, the bonus game outcome is determined. Atstep 2412,gaming display device 2102 is activated. This may include activation ofband 240 andindicator 2140. Other lights and sounds may also be activated to make the event more exciting to the player and those around the player, as well as to call attention to the device. -
Method 2500 then proceeds to step 2414, whereband 240 is moved or rotated. Atstep 2416,indicator 2140 is moved.Indicator 2140 can by stopped bycontroller 360 atstep 2502.Band 240 is stopped atstep 2504.Method 2500 then awards any prizes indicated by the combination of theindicator 2140 andband 240 to the player instep 2422. - Turning to
FIGS. 26 and 27 , an additional embodiment of agaming device 2600 according to the present invention is shown.Gaming device 2600 has agaming display device 2602.Gaming device 2600 can be a bonus game that can be mounted in ahousing 1001 in conjunction with agaming apparatus 202 as shown inFIG. 7 . Afront panel 1503 is mounted tohousing 1001. -
Gaming display device 2602 can have aprize band 240 that is supported for rotational movement byrollers 246 and guide tracks 1520. Band 240 can have adisplay surface 241. Band 240 can be a flexible belt. Band 240 can have andoutside surface 240A, aninner surface 240B and a pair of outer peripheral edges orsides bead 1550 that is retained byguide track 1520 as was previously described inFIGS. 18 and 19 .Bead 1550 can causeband 240 to slide throughguide track 1520. - Band 240 can be backlit by
lights 330 that are mounted in ahousing 328 as was previously described.Various prize indicia 2630 can be displayed atprize positions 2625 ondisplay surface 241.Prize positions 2625 can simulate or appear to be trees printed ondisplay surface 241. -
Gaming device 2600 can have a game theme of a car driving on a road or a race track.Gaming device 2600 can include various road features such as aroad 2610,hills 2612, dips in theroad 2615, grass orfield areas 2618 androad signs 2620.Display surface 241 can be printed with the various road features. -
Convex hills 2612 can be formed inroad 2610 byband 240 passing overrollers 246. Concave dips 2615 can be formed byband 240 moving throughguide tracks 1520 causingband 240 to be guided downwardly.Rollers 246 and guidetracks 1520cause band 240 to move or undulate up and down asband 240 is rotated or moved.Rollers 246guide band 240 upwardly forming aconvex portion 1509 and guidetracks 1520guide band 240 downwardly formingconcave portions 1510. The movement ofband 240 throughrollers 246 and guidetracks 1520 appears to simulate the motion of a winding road with dips and hills. - A vehicle or
mechanical indicator 2640 can be mounted tohousing 1001 in front ofdisplay 240.Vehicle indicator 2640 can appear to be a vehicle such as a car or truck.Indicator 2640 can also be formed to simulate other vehicles such as a boat, plane, train or motorcycle.Indicator 2640 can be coupled to and moved by apositioning mechanism 72 through abracket 74.Indicator 2640 andpositioning mechanism 72 can operate the same as previously described forindicator 2140 ofFIG. 23 . The position ofindicator 2640 can be controlled bycontroller 360 andactuator 80.Lights 2645 can be mounted onindicator 2640.Lights 2645 can be light emitting diodes and can be connected with and controlled bycontroller 360. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 26 and 27 , agame outcome 2635 can be indicated by movingband 240 andindicator 2640, such that one of theprize positions 2625 are aligned aboveindicator 2640.Lights 2645 can further be illuminated to draw attention to the game outcome. In the example shown inFIG. 26 ,indicator 2640 indicates theindicium 2635 having a value of 50 credits as the game outcome. The game outcome is indicated by the combination of the indicia on the display surface and the indicator. The movement ofband 240 behindcar 2640 can simulate the motion of a car traveling down a road. -
Player input devices housing 1001.Player input devices Player input devices indicator 2640.Player input device 2660 movesindicator 2640 to the left andplayer input device 2665 movesindicator 2640 to the right. After a player moves and stopsindicator 2640 usingplayer input devices controller 360 then moves and stopsband 240 to select anindicia 2630 to be awarded.Gaming device 2600 can be operated using the same methods that were shown inFIGS. 24 and 25 forgaming device 2100. -
FIG. 28 shows another embodiment of a gaming device in accordance with the present invention.Gaming device 2800 has agaming display device 2802.Gaming device 2800 can be a bonus game that can be mounted in ahousing 1001 in conjunction with agaming apparatus 202 as shown inFIG. 7 . Afront panel 1503 is mounted tohousing 1001. -
Game display device 2802 can have aprize band 2810 that is significantly longer than theprize band 240 ofFIGS. 7 and 8 .Band 2810 is supported for rotational movement by sets ofrollers Rollers 246 are in contact withinner surface 2813 androllers 2830 are in contact withouter display surface 2812.Band 2810 can have anouter display surface 2812 and aninner surface 2813.Band 2810 can be a continuous flexible belt.Band 2810 may have portions that are at least partially transparent. -
Gaming display device 2802 may be mounted inhousing 1001 usingbrackets 2825.Brackets 2825 may be connected betweenidle rollers 246 and drivenroller 320 andhousing 1001. Several brackets may be used to attachgaming display device 2802 withinhousing 1001. -
Band 2810 can be backlit bylights 330 that are mounted in ahousing 328 as was previously described.Band 2810 can be moved or rotated bycontroller 360 causingactuator 310 to rotate drivenroller 320.Source 362 anddetector 364 can providecontroller 360 with a position signal about the position ofband 2810. -
Gaming display device 2802 can have aband guide section 2820 that causes the band to move back and forth or to move in a snake-like manner.Band guide section 2820 may have dozens or hundreds of rollers. The band is woven or wound aroundrollers 2830. The use of additional rollers allows for the storage of a longer length ofband 240 by winding the band around the additional rollers.Band guide section 2820 comprisesrollers band guide section 2820 withinhousing 1001 allows for a longer length ofband 2810. Becauseband 2810 is longer, a larger number of indicia can be displayed onband 2810. One of the indicia onband 2810 can be indicated as a prize or game outcome.Band 2810 can be used in place ofband 240 in the gaming device embodiments that were previously described. Guide tracks (not shown) could also be used withband 2810. -
Rollers band guide section 2820 such that the band moves vertically between rollers instead of horizontally as shown inFIG. 28 . -
FIG. 29 shows another embodiment of agaming device 2900 in accordance with the present invention.Gaming device 2900 has agaming display device 2902.Gaming device 2900 can be a bonus game that can be mounted in ahousing 1001 in conjunction with aprimary gaming apparatus 202 as shown inFIG. 7 . Afront panel 1503 is mounted tohousing 1001. -
Gaming display device 2902 can have rolls or reels of a wide band or belt offlexible material 2910 that is significantly longer thanprize band 240 ofFIGS. 7 and 8 . Wide band orbelt 2910 is supported for movement betweenreels Wide belt 2910 is wound onreels Wide belt 2910 can have anend 2914 and an end 2915.End 2914 can be wound ontoreel 2920 and end 2915 can be wound ontoreel 2930.Wide belt 2910 can have anouter display surface 2912 and aninner surface 2913.Wide belt 2910 can have portions that are at least partially transparent.Wide belt 2910 can be backlit bylights 330 that are mounted in ahousing 328 as was previously described.Wide belt 2910 can also contain a wide variety of indicia (not shown) as was previously described in conjunction withband 240. -
Gaming display device 2902 may be mounted inhousing 1001 usingbrackets 2925.Brackets 2925 may be connected betweenreels housing 1001. Several brackets may be used to attachgaming display device 2902 withinhousing 1001. -
Reel 2920 is driven by anactuator 2928.Actuator 2928 may be any number of suitable actuators, such as motors, including stepper motors, gear motors, and servo motors.Actuator 2928 may rotate ashaft 2927 in connection with awheel 2926. Abelt 2924 may linkwheel 2926 to anotherwheel 2922.Wheel 2922 is connected to reel 2920. Rotation ofshaft 2927 driveswheel 2926, which in turn driveswheel 2922 andreel 2920. Therefore,actuator 2928 can rotatereel 2920. The rotation ofactuator 2928 can be reversed such thatreel 2920 can be rotated in both directions. Optionally, an idler wheel or pulley (not shown) can be included on the opposing side of a portion ofwide belt 2910 in order to take up any slack and maintain proper tension onwide belt 2910. - Another
reel 2930 is driven by anactuator 2938.Actuator 2938 may be any number of suitable actuators, such as motors, including stepper motors, gear motors, and servo motors.Actuator 2938 may rotate ashaft 2937 in connection with awheel 2936. Abelt 2934 may linkwheel 2936 to anotherwheel 2932.Wheel 2932 is connected to reel 2930. Rotation ofshaft 2937 drives wheel 2936 which in turn driveswheel 2932 andreel 2930. Therefore,actuator 2938 can rotatereel 2930. The rotation ofactuator 2938 can be reversed such thatreel 2930 can be rotated in both directions. - Actuators 2928 and 2938 are in communication with and can be controlled by
controller 360.Source 362 anddetector 364 can providecontroller 360 with a position signal about the position ofwide belt 2910. -
Controller 360 can causeactuators wide belt 2910 passes overrollers 246 and can be viewed through atransparent window 2950 by a game player.Wide belt 2910 would be unwound fromreel 2920 and wound onreel 2930. When thewide belt 2910 approaches the end of its length,source 362 anddetector 364 providecontroller 360 with a signal that the end of thewide belt 2910 is approaching.Controller 360 then reverses the rotational direction ofreels wide belt 2910 is unwound fromreel 2930 and wound ontoreel 2920. The direction of rotation of the reels would be reversed each time that the end of the length ofwide belt 2910 is approaching. - The use of
reels band material 2910 to be stored ongaming device 2900. Becausewide belt 2910 is longer, a larger number of indicia can be displayed onwide belt 2910. One of the indicia onwide belt 2910 can be indicated as a prize or game outcome.Wide belt 2910 can be used in place ofband 240 in the gaming device embodiments that were previously described. - A method of operating
gaming device 2900 ofFIG. 29 is shown inFIG. 30 . Inmethod 3000, a player places a wager on a primary gaming apparatus atstep 2402. Atstep 2404, the player plays a base game on the base gaming apparatus 202 (FIG. 7 ). Atdecision 2406,method 3000 checks to see if the game outcome determined instep 2404 is an outcome qualifying the player to play a bonus game. If not,method 3000 proceeds to step 2408 and notifies the player of the game outcome determined instep 2404, and returns to step 2402. - If it is determined in
step 2406 that the game outcome ofstep 2404 qualifies the player for a bonus game,method 3000 proceeds to step 2410. Atstep 2410, the bonus game outcome is determined. Atstep 2412,gaming display device 2902 is activated. This may include rotation ofreels belt 2910, and activation oflights 330. Other lights and sounds may also be activated to make the event more exciting to the player and those around the player, as well as to call attention to the device. -
Method 3000 then proceeds to step 2414, wherewide belt 2910 is moved. Atdecision step 3002,controller 360 checks to see ifwide belt 2910 is approaching one end or the end of its length. Ifcontroller 360 detects the end ofwide belt 2910 is approaching,method 3000 proceeds to step 3004, where the rotational direction ofreels controller 360 does not detect the end ofwide belt 2910 approaching,method 3000 proceeds to step 3006 wherewide belt 2910 is stopped. Atstep 3008, a portion ofback lights 330 are illuminated behindwide belt 2910 such that a game outcome is indicated.Method 3000 instep 3010 then awards any prizes that were indicated to the player instep 3008. - In another method of playing
gaming device 2900,belt 2910 may be advanced in one direction during a game sequence and then rewound whengaming device 2900 is not being played. -
FIG. 31 shows another embodiment of agaming device 3100 in accordance with the present invention.Gaming device 3100 has agaming display device 3102.Gaming device 3100 can be a bonus game that can be mounted in ahousing 1001 in conjunction with aprimary gaming apparatus 202 as shown inFIG. 7 . Afront panel 1503 is mounted tohousing 1001. -
Gaming display device 3102 is similar togaming display device 2602 ofFIG. 27 .Gaming display device 3102 has arotatable band 240 that can be fashioned into a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Band 240 can have anouter surface 240A,inner surface 240B, a pair of side edges 240C and 240D. ABead 1550 can be mounted to each ofedges - Band 240 may be formed into sloped, concave, convex, arched and flat band shape. The various band shapes are produced using
guide tracks 1520 androllers 246. The use ofguide tracks 1520 was previously described in conjunction withFIGS. 18 and 19 .Indicia 244 can be disposed onband 240 as was shown inFIGS. 15 and 16 . - For example in
FIG. 31 , a hiddenU-shaped section 3110 is formed byrollers 246 and guide tracks 1520.Hidden section 3110 could be used to hide various indicia 244 (FIGS. 15 and 16 ) from a game player.Controller 360 may controlactuator 310 such thatband 240 is moved forward allowing a game player to view an indicia or may be moved backward where the indicia becomes hidden inU-shaped section 3110. - A
convex section 3120 can be formed byguide tracks 1520. Aconcave section 3140 may be formed byguide tracks 1520. Aflat section 3130 can be formed betweenguide tracks 1520 androller 246. Therefore,band 240 may further be formed into a wide variety of shapes and sizes usingguide tracks 1520 androllers 246. - It can thus be realized that certain embodiments of the present invention provide a highly attractive and entertaining device for displaying prizes. Certain embodiments of the present invention further provide a moveable indicator to indicate a bonus prize. Thus, certain embodiments of the present invention can easily catch patrons' attention and invite patrons to play the game. Certain embodiments may further cause players to play longer because the display device enhances the anticipation, stimulation, and excitement experienced by players.
- Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.
Claims (21)
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US11/848,159 US20080045293A1 (en) | 2001-06-27 | 2007-08-30 | Gaming display with moveable indicator and methods of use |
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US09/894,198 US6537152B2 (en) | 2000-10-17 | 2001-06-27 | Gaming device having an animated figure |
US10/309,736 US20030078099A1 (en) | 2000-10-17 | 2002-12-03 | Gaming device having an animated figure |
US10/806,636 US7731583B2 (en) | 2001-06-27 | 2004-03-23 | Gaming display with moveable indicator and methods of use |
US82413606P | 2006-08-31 | 2006-08-31 | |
US11/848,159 US20080045293A1 (en) | 2001-06-27 | 2007-08-30 | Gaming display with moveable indicator and methods of use |
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US10/806,636 Continuation-In-Part US7731583B2 (en) | 2001-06-27 | 2004-03-23 | Gaming display with moveable indicator and methods of use |
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Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US5018289A (en) * | 1988-05-10 | 1991-05-28 | Product Innovations | Changeable sign display device with improved panel suspension |
US5413342A (en) * | 1993-11-05 | 1995-05-09 | Kaplan; Edward B. | Pyramid slot machine |
US5788573A (en) * | 1996-03-22 | 1998-08-04 | International Game Technology | Electronic game method and apparatus with hierarchy of simulated wheels |
US5848932A (en) * | 1994-09-23 | 1998-12-15 | Anchor Gaming | Method of playing game and gaming games with an additional payout indicator |
US6309300B1 (en) * | 1999-09-13 | 2001-10-30 | International Game Technology | Gaming bonus apparatus and method with player interaction |
US6336863B1 (en) * | 1999-09-13 | 2002-01-08 | International Game Technologies | Gaming device with bonus mechanism |
US6439995B1 (en) * | 2000-09-07 | 2002-08-27 | Igt | Gaming device having a bonus scheme with multiple selection groups |
-
2007
- 2007-08-30 US US11/848,159 patent/US20080045293A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5018289A (en) * | 1988-05-10 | 1991-05-28 | Product Innovations | Changeable sign display device with improved panel suspension |
US5413342A (en) * | 1993-11-05 | 1995-05-09 | Kaplan; Edward B. | Pyramid slot machine |
US5848932A (en) * | 1994-09-23 | 1998-12-15 | Anchor Gaming | Method of playing game and gaming games with an additional payout indicator |
US5788573A (en) * | 1996-03-22 | 1998-08-04 | International Game Technology | Electronic game method and apparatus with hierarchy of simulated wheels |
US6309300B1 (en) * | 1999-09-13 | 2001-10-30 | International Game Technology | Gaming bonus apparatus and method with player interaction |
US6336863B1 (en) * | 1999-09-13 | 2002-01-08 | International Game Technologies | Gaming device with bonus mechanism |
US6439995B1 (en) * | 2000-09-07 | 2002-08-27 | Igt | Gaming device having a bonus scheme with multiple selection groups |
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