Abstract:
The present invention relates to a gaming apparatus and method for its operation. The gaming apparatus includes one or more physical displays that rotate about at least one axis. These displays are physically associated with a mechanism that controls the odds of the reel stopping at any particular reel position in such a manner that the probability of stopping at least one position differs from the probability of stopping at least one other position. The present invention is particularly appropriate for application in slot machines.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the gaming apparatus and more particularly to reel type slot machines. In particular, the present invention relates to reel type slot machines wherein the win odds of a combination can be lower and thereby allowing for greater pay outs. 
     Historically, reel type slot machines were comprised of multiple reels that rotated about an axis and stopped randomly. In such machines the odds of the reel stopping on any particular reel position were the same as it stopping at any other position. Thus, there was a lower limit on the odds for any combination resulting in relatively low pay outs. This made slot machines less attractive for casinos and players because the payoff was not as high as other games. 
     Initially, this concern was addressed by designing slot machines with bigger reels and/or more reels. Through these designs the physical structure of the machine allowed for higher pay outs. However, the physical size of the machines was a disadvantage for the casino owner as these machine used valuable floor space. In addition, the players viewed these big machines as a novelty, resulted in them getting limited play. 
     With the advent of computer technology, electronic slot machines were designed. Initially, the electronic slot machines did not employ reels. Rather, these machines utilized a video screen to simulate a reel. These machine were of limited commercial success. Eventually, electronic reel-type machines were developed. These machines removed the game from the reels and played the game in a microprocessor. The reels became simply a method of displaying the results of the game. Such a machine is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,795. In these machine &#34;virtual reels&#34; are represented by random number generators in a microprocessor. The random number generators generate a number and that number corresponds to a reel position on the physical reel. In other words, the numbers of the random number generators are mapped to the physical reel positions. Initially, these virtual reel machines generated one number for each position on the reel, thus there was a direct mapping and the odds were not changed. Subsequently, the concept of many to one mapping was introduced and it allowed the odds associated with virtual reel machines to be adjusted. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419. These machines use random number generators to generate numbers from a range of numbers that exceeds the number of physical reel combinations. These numbers are mapped to certain reel combinations with multiple numbers being mapped to some combinations. In this manner, the odds of displaying some combinations will exceed the odds of displaying other combinations thereby allowing for higher payout odds. 
     In operation, the virtual reel slot machines generate a number with a random number generator. That number is then put into a lookup table to ascertain the appropriate display and pay out. This whole procedure is independent of the physical reels. While this embodiment provides a measure of flexibility in controlling and altering the payout of a particular machine., it still is technically cumbersome to effectuate a change in the machine. Specifically, regulatory authorities have established restrictions on the ability to externally change the operating parameters of a machine. Therefore, in the virtual reel machine it is necessary to physically change an EPROM that includes the mapping programming. Obviously, anytime electronic devices must be modified a certain amount of expertise is required. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     There remains a need for a slot machine wherein the odds can be lower and the parameters of the machines can be easily altered. 
     There is further a need for a slot machine wherein the total pay out of the machine is predictable and the pay schedule of the machine is adjustable without the need for special expertise. 
     Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a reel type slot machine wherein the odds of the a winning combination can be lower to allow for a greater pay out schedule. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a reel type slot machine where the pay out schedule can be adjusted easily and without the need for altering electronic components. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a reel type slot machine that has a predictable pay out schedule that is easily adjustable and is secure from unauthorized alteration. 
     Accordingly, the present invention relates to a gaming apparatus that includes one or more physical reels that rotate about a central axis. These reels are associated with a mechanism that physically controls the odds of the reel stopping at any particular reel position in such a manner that the probability of stopping at least one reel position differs from the probability of stopping at least one other reel position. This mechanism is physically associated with the rotation of the reels. 
     More specifically, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a mechanism for controlling the probability that any particular reel stop position is displayed on the win line. One such mechanism employs an optical marker containing value information. An optical marker is physically associated with each reel stop position. A mechanism for reading the value information contained on the optical marker is provided. These read values are then summed by a summing mechanism such as a microprocessors until a target sum is reached. A random number generator generates the target sum. In operation of the gaming machine, the reel stop position at which the sum of the value information reaches the target sum is selected and the associated indicia is displayed on the win line. 
     In addition, the present invention relates to a method of operation for a gaming machine that includes the steps of: (1) deactivating a lock out mechanism and allowing a drive mechanism to be activated; (2) activating a drive mechanism to start at least one reel into motion, wherein reel includes reel stop positions and an optical marker associated with each reel stop position, the optical markers including value information; (3) reading the value information on the optical markers as they moves past a optical reader; (4) summing the value information as it is read; (5) generating a random number to establish a target sum; (6) identifying the reel stop position associated with the optical marker at which the target sum is reached; and (7) stopping the reel so that an indicia associated with the identified reel stop position is displayed. 
     Other objects features and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the following description of certain preferred embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings although variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 illustrates the a perspective view of a typical slot machine; 
     FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of a typical slot machine; 
     FIG. 3 is a representation of a reel in a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate three strips with indicia on one side and the optical markers included in a preferred embodiment of the present invention on the other; and 
     FIG. 6 is a representation of a reel in a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the structure and operation of a typical gaming machine in use today. The present invention utilizes many of the same operational features each of which are well know to those skilled in the art. The machine of the present invention uses conventional structure to initiate the rotation of the reels 10. Generally, the machine has three reels 10. However, the number of reels 10 can vary from game to game and can be as few as one to as many as the game designer desires. Each of the reels include a series of indicia 18 (see FIG. 5A) located on the outer periphery 20 of the reel 10. Each indicia 18 is associated with a reel stop position 22, such that when the reel 10 stops at the particular reel stop position 22, the associated indicia 18 is visible to the player on a win line 23. While physical reels are preferred the present invention could also be applicable to machines that use a rotating tape or similar structures. 
     The game is initiated by the insertion of coins or tokens into a coin slot 26. The coins activate a coin input mechanism 13 that then releases a lockout mechanism 24. Prior to the insertion of the coins the lockout mechanism 24 prevents the game from being played. Such lockout mechanisms are well known in the art. Once the lockout mechanism 24 is released, the reels 10 are free to rotate. The reels 10 are set in motion by a player. Typically, this accomplished by pulling on a handle 12 or pushing a button 42. This activates the reel drive mechanism 14 which in turn rotates the reels 10. Such reel drive mechanisms are well known in the art. A preferred reel drive mechanism is comprised of a series of step motors, with a separate step motor associated with each reel 10. The step motors allow the reel 10 to be stopped in distinct reel stop positions 22. Any appropriate reel drive may be used and still be within the scope of the present invention. 
     The game of the present invention also includes a mechanism for activating the pay out circuitry 25 once the reels have stopped. Such mechanisms are well known in the art. Typically they include a detecting means such as a sensor  not shown! that identifies the reel position. This sensor provides information to a microprocessor 43 which then compares the sensed information to a pay out table. The microprocessor 43 then activates a hopper which dispenses a appropriate pay out into a bin 44. 
     A first preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. In this embodiment the slot machine includes an optical sensor 28. The optical sensor 28 is positioned in the inner circumference of the reel 10. A removable strip 30 is located on the reel 10. On the removable strip 30 is located a series of optical markers 34 that are readable by the optical sensor 28 (See FIGS. 5A-5C). The strip 30 is positioned such that one set of markers 34 is associated with each reel stop position 22 and the markers 34 are readable by the optical sensor 28. Each set of markers 34 contains information readable by the sensor 28. This information includes at least a relative value assigned to the reel position. It generally would also include information identifying the associated reel stop position to facilitate stopping the reel at the appropriate location. The optical markers 34 can take many forms. They could simply be a series of readable marks each mark representing an equal increment. Or the marks could be of varying width wherein the width represents a differentiation in the incremental value of the mark. Moreover, the marks can be a binary code or a real number code. 
     In one especially preferred embodiment the optical markers 34 each represent a single increment. A set of the optical markers 34 is associated with each of the reel stop positions. As each of the markers 34 passes the optical sensor 28 it advances a counter 35 one increment, thus summing the optical marker 34. The counter 35 can be included as part of the microprocessor 43. 
     In another especially preferred embodiment the optical markers 34 are bar codes and the optical sensor 28 is a bar code reader. Thus, as the reel 10 spins, the optical sensor 28 reads the information on the optical markers 34 as they pass the sensor 28. This allows a microprocessor 43 to sum the relative values on the markers 34 that pass the sensor 28. The summing process can be done at any time after the rotation of the reels 10 has been initiated. 
     This preferred embodiment includes a random number generator within microprocessor 43. The random number generator generates a number from an appropriate range of numbers. A preferred range is an integer multiple of the total sum of the markers on the reel 10. This number generation is done at an appropriate time, which may be, depending on the specific design, before, after or at the time the rotation of the reels 10 is initiated. The reel stop position 22 at which the values summed by the microprocessor 43 equals the number generated by the random number generator will be the position of the reel 10 that will be displayed to the player on the win line 23. In this embodiment the odds of a particular reel stop position 22 being displayed on the win line 23 are set by the relative values incorporated on the optical markers 34. 
     An example of a set of removable strips 30 for a typical three reel machine having twenty four reel positions per reel 10 is shown in FIGS. 5A-5B. This example shows a strip 30 with indicia 18 associated with each reel stop position 22 printed on one side and corresponding optical markers 34 printed on the other side. While use of a single strip 30 with printing on both sides is preferred, separate strips containing the indicia 18 and the optical markers 34 may be used. The optical markers 34 on the strips 30 of FIGS. 5A-5B contain value information for each corresponding reel stop position 22 and identify the corresponding reel stop position 18. 
     Once the game starts, i.e. the appropriate coins have been inserted and the lockout circuitry 24 has been released, the following tasks takes place for each reel 10: 
     (1) a random number generator 36 generates a target sum; 
     (2) a counter/summing circuit 35 is reset to zero and receives the random number generator as the target sum; 
     (3) a command is sent to the reel drive mechanism 14 to initiate the spinning of the reel 10; 
     (4) as the reel 10 spins the counter/summing circuit 35 begins counting or summing the values in the optical marks 34 passing the optical sensor 28; 
     (5) when the summing circuit reaches the target sum, the associated reel stop position is identified and a stop position signal is sent to a motor reel control circuit 36; 
     (6) the motor reel controller circuit 36 stops the reel 10 at the selected reel stop position 22 and sends a signal to the microprocessor 43 identifying the selected reel stop position 22; 
     (7) the microprocessor 43 then determines the pay out for the combination of reel stop positions so selected and sends a signal to the coin mechanism to release the appropriate number of coins. 
     The specific timing of the generation of the target sum by the random number generator 36 is not critical. It could be generated before, after, or simultaneously to the initiation of the rotation of the reels 10. 
     With such a mechanism the control of the odds is straight forward. For example, the total sum of the values on all the optical markers 34 corresponding to each reel stop position may equal one hundred. If a first reel stop position is associated with a set of optical markers 34 with a total value of ten, then the odds of the reel stopping at that position are ten to one. Similarly, if a second reel stop position is associated with a set of optical markers 34 with a total value of one, then the odds of the reel stopping at that position are one hundred to one. Setting the range of random numbers that can be generated as an integer multiple of the total sum of all the optical markers allows the odds of each reel stop location to be selected to be unchanged on consecutive games. Through such a system the physical structure of the machine allows the control of the odds. Such control can be consider &#34;physical mapping&#34; of the win odds. 
     On a given machine the pay table, i.e., the designation of the winning displays and pay off for each, can be easily adjusted by exchanging the removable strip 30 with another strip on which the optical markers 34 associate different values with each of the reel stop positions 22. Thus, the parameters of the machine can be easily adjusted without having to alter the electronic features of the machine. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a second preferred embodiment of the present invention using physical mapping to adjust the odds associated with the machine. This embodiment uses magnetic control instead of the optical control in the first embodiment. Specifically, on the inner periphery 32 of the reel 10 a series of outer magnets 38 are removably affixed. In this configuration there is an outer magnet 38 associated with each reel stop position 22. The outer magnets 38 are preferably permanent magnets all oriented with the same polarity such that like poles are directed toward the center of the reel 10. The outer magnets 38 are of varying magnetism. For example, if the outer magnets 38 are permanent magnets they will be of different lengths. A fixed magnet 40 is mounted in fixed position in the inner periphery of the reel 10 very close to the path of motion of the outer magnets 38. The fixed magnet 40 is positioned such that its polarity is opposite that of the outer magnets 38, i.e., an opposite pole faces the outer magnets 38 so that they attract each other. In general, it is preferred that the fixed magnet be a permanent magnet of a size greater than the outer magnets 38. Other arrangements are acceptable. 
     In operation, as the reel 10 rotates the outer magnets 38 move pass the fixed magnet 40. The magnetic attraction between the fixed magnet 40 and the outer magnets 38 creates a breaking torque on the reel 10. This braking torque will result in stopping the reel 10 and displaying a reel stop position 22 on the win line 23. The probability of each reel stop position 22 being the position stopping at the win line 23 will be dependent on the nature of the outer magnet 38 associated with that position. Specifically, the larger the outer magnet 38 the more likely that position will be the stopping position. Thus, the odds of the reel 10 stopping at a particular reel stop position 22 can be controlled by relative size of the outer magnets 38. Because the outer magnets 38 are removably attached to the reel 10, the pay out schedule of a machine can be changed by switching out the outer magnets 38. 
     Other embodiments of the physical mapping system also fall within the scope of the present invention. Examples of such embodiments will be obvious to those of skill in the art in light the present disclosure. For example, the physical mapping could be implemented with physical ratchet wherein the number of physical ratchet position associated with each reel stop position 22 varies. Each ratchet position advances a counter. Another example may include a series of electrical contacts located on the reel 10 that pass over a fixed contact wherein each time the circuit is connected it advances a counter. In either case, when the counter reaches a number selected by a random number generator, that defines the position 22 that will be displayed on the win line 23. 
     Although the present invention has been described with respect to the preferred embodiments, it not so limited, as changes and modifications may be made which are within the full intended scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.