Gaming machine display simulation of minting coins

A gaming machine display, apparatus and method in which a simulation of minting coins is provided on a video monitor of a gaming machine coupled to a processor which simulates a plurality of balls extending down a trackway, a simulated minting machine on the display oriented to receive the balls and simulated coins exiting the machine as a function of player performance. The player performance, should it reach a grand prize level causes the minting station to break via simulation and the appearance of a caricature announces that an attendant will come by for resetting the machine for hand payout.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The following invention relates to gaming machines used in a casino 
environment. More particularly, the instant invention relates to a display 
simulation, apparatus and method of play therefore. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The odyssey for games which consume a player's attention and stimulation is 
ongoing. The following invention reflects further efforts by applicant in 
this area. 
Most gaming machines involve static displays. These displays are typically 
found on exposed glass surfaces of a machine and are static. However, with 
the advent of video display monitors, it is now possible to provide a 
dynamic simulation on the video display which has thematic correlation to 
the underlying game. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The instant invention includes a video simulation on a monitor encased 
within a gaming machine. The simulation involves graphics which simulate a 
series of balls rolling down a trackway as a function of player 
performance on a reel-type of gaming device. When an award is due a 
player, the balls are advanced into an inlet hopper on a minting station 
having an output. The output simulates minted coins dropping from the 
minting station and these coins signify an award having been credited to 
the player. Should the player achieve an outcome that warrants an 
extremely large payout, such a payout is typically made by an attendant to 
the machines manually. Accordingly, the video simulation includes a series 
of balls going into the feed hopper of the minting station coupled with a 
simulated breakdown of the minting machine in conjunction with the 
appearance of an icon evocative of an animated figure that explains to the 
player that a hand or manual payout will ensue. Certain indicia such as 
alarms or other audio output accompany the breaking of the machine 
providing excitement for the player until an attendant arrives at the 
machine for the manual, hand payout whereupon the prospective award is 
verified with respect to the propriety of making such an award, coupled 
with any manual payout and resetting the machine. 
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a 
new, novel and useful game machine display simulation and methodology 
therefore. 
A further object of the present invention is to provide a display, 
apparatus and methodology as set forth hereinabove which enhances player 
satisfaction and stimulation. 
Viewed from a first vantage point, it is an object of the present invention 
to provide a display simulation and gaming machine, comprising, in 
combination: a video display coupled to a processor including means to 
simulate a plurality of balls down a trackway, a simulated minting station 
on the display oriented to receive the balls, simulated coins exiting the 
minting station as a function of player performance, and means to 
increment credits to the player. 
Viewed from a second vantage point, it is an object of the present 
invention to provide a method for stimulating a player via a display 
monitor of a gaming machine, the steps including: displaying balls rolling 
into a hopper of a minting station and displaying coins exiting the 
minting station as a function of player performance, and crediting the 
player with an award.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Considering the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts 
throughout the various drawing figures, reference numeral 10 is directed 
to the machine according to the present invention. 
As shown, the machine 10 includes a housing 16 which supports a video 
monitor 2 therewithin. The monitor may include a window 8 for special 
messages or for incremental counting of credits accumulated by the player. 
The machine 10 also includes an LED readout 4 for prompting the player and 
providing verbiage to stimulate the player as shown by LED readout 4 and 
an inlet 6 for the reception therein of coins, currency or the like to 
auger in the inception of play. A plurality of decision making buttons 12 
are located on a face of the machine 10 preferably below the display 2 and 
a pull handle 14 can be used to initiate play as an alternative or 
supplement to the decision making buttons 12. A plurality of speakers 34 
may be included on the machine for aural interaction with the player. A 
coin hopper 18 may be included to effectuate an output of an award due the 
player. The machine may have a top portion 32 with a display thereon 
having a static motif correlative with the game to be played. 
Referring to FIG. 1A, a series of balls 40 are adapted to roll down a 
trackway 42 into a hopper 44 of a minting station or machine 46. The 
minting machine 46 includes an outlet 48 from which descends a plurality 
of coins 50 simulative of the player having been awarded an output 
correlative with a payout. A lower portion of the screen, also as shown in 
FIG. 1A, illustrates a reel-type machine in which a payoff may be due by 
virtue of "two bells" and a "bar" arrangement that correlates to a payout 
according to a paytable posted on the machine (not shown). Note that FIG. 
1A also includes the provision of three coins not located on the payline 
52, but visible. Should these three coins be on the payline 52, FIG. 1B 
will show the result. In this event, a caricature appears on the screen 
that is accompanied with the minting station 46 having been broken by the 
player having achieved the grand prize. The caricature can then enable 
speakers 34 on the machine 10 to announce that an attendant will come by 
for a hand pay or in the alternative, and/or in conjunction, a visual 
depiction of the attendant will appear which announces that you will be 
paid on the display. 
Referring to FIG. 3, the sequence in which the game is played can be seen. 
First, the game is started by the inception of a wager by the player. 
Next, chance means are enabled which determines whether or not an award is 
due. If an award is not due, the player has the opportunity to restart the 
game and rewager. Alternatively, if an award is due, a decision must be 
made whether or not the grand prize is due and payable to the player. If 
the grand prize is not due and payable, the graphics mentioned above of 
the coins being minted appears on the display 2 and those credits 
correlative of the coins being minted are incremented to the counter 
associated with the player's wagering activity to his benefit. Should, 
however, a grand prize be due, then the graphics of FIG. 1B are enabled of 
the mint station being broken and the caricature announces the need of an 
attendant for the hand payout. This hand payout may supplement or be in 
lieu of increments being provided on the credit meter. 
Moreover, having thus described the invention, it should be apparent that 
numerous structural modifications and adaptations may be resorted to 
without departing from the scope and fair meaning of the instant invention 
as set forth hereinabove and as described hereinbelow by the claims.