Abstract:
A gaming machine and method for displaying and highlighting a scatter symbol among a matrix of symbols. The display includes a first layer for displaying a background and a second layer overlying the first layer. In one embodiment the layers are virtual layers, in another embodiment the layers are discrete physical layers. The second layer displays the matrix of symbols including any scatter symbol included in the matrix of symbols. The second layer enables a gaming machine player to simultaneously view the background, or at least portions of the background. According to one aspect of the invention, the second layer is at least partially transmissive to permit simultaneous viewing of the background and the matrix of symbols. The background is changeable to highlight at least one of the symbols of the matrix of symbols. Preferably, the background highlights the scatter symbol by adding depth, color, light and imagery, such as a still, changing, or moving image.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention pertains to gaming machines including slot machines, and particularly to slot machines having features that highlight a bonus symbol. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In the gaming machine industry, there is a continuing need for gaming machine manufacturers to produce new types of games, or enhancements to existing games, which will attract frequent play by enhancing the entertainment value and excitement associated with the game. 
         [0003]    US 2010/0062830 A1 to Hornik discloses on a transmissive display layer positioned in front of mechanical reels of a slot machine. The transmissive display layer depicts video images over the mechanical reels to indicate a bonus-award. The transmissive layer video images enhance ease recognition of a bonus-award for a player. 
         [0004]    US 2010/0317427 A1 to Ozaki et al. discloses a slot machine with multiple-layer display capability. A back side display layer reveals a matrix of symbols and a front side display layer generates an overlapping pattern that relates to at least some of the symbols. The front side display is adapted to optimize the overlapping patterns so as to minimize blind spots. 
         [0005]    US 2010/0304831 A1, to Suda et al. shows a slot machine having an array of symbols displayed for both primary and secondary (e.g. bonus) game play. The bonus game play is entered upon the occurrence of a selected event or outcome of the basic game. In particular, Suda describes using a subset of columns to indicate whether bonus game capability is achieved. In one embodiment, the columns in which scatter (i.e. bonus) symbols appear are selected for bonus game purposes. 
         [0006]    US 2009/0275387 A1, to Yoshizawa, discloses a slot machine that displays a matrix of symbols as part of the primary game play and secondary game play occurs where the symbols are classified according to background color. The symbols having a common background color are grouped and re-positioned adjacent to each other on the display. In other words, symbols positioned once on a display are repositioned so as to gather the symbols with the same background color. Yoshizawa confirms that background effects can be an important part of gaming experience, particularly with secondary game play. 
         [0007]    The gaming industry is competitive and ever-evolving. Although many games continue to entertain gaming enthusiasts, there is still an unmet need for better and more interesting games and features. There is also an unmet need for making gaming experience user-friendly to enable a player to readily understand the various gaming features and variations available. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention includes a gaming machine having a display that reveals a matrix of symbols, including pre-determined “scatter” (i.e. bonus) symbols. A scatter symbol, thus, has a chance of appearing at least once in the matrix of symbols. Preferably the matrix of symbols is displayed in a format resembling slot-machine reels (i.e. virtual reels), or on physical reels. Virtual reels are an electronic representation of physical reels wherein each column of the matrix of symbols represents a reel 
         [0009]    The scatter symbol is broadly defined and includes any symbol, which is indicative of a bonus given in slot machine play. The scatter symbol may be a graphic image or a video streamed image displayed as a solid, opaque, transmissive or partially transmissive. In the present invention, the scatter symbol comprises a heart, which can be a fixed object, pulsating, moving or otherwise expressive object. It can be surrounded by animation, lights, or other method of highlighting the scatter symbol. 
         [0010]    The gaming machine, in accordance with the present invention, includes a housing, which houses a computer and a display. The computer includes a control unit programmed for generating the matrix of symbols, and communicating the matrix of symbols to the display. The display presents the matrix of symbols in plain view to a gaming machine player. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment of the invention the display is a single transmissive LCD panel, receptive to present multiple layers of images generated by the control unit. To accommodate the multiple layers of images, the control unit regulates the degree of opaqueness or transparency of each symbol and other images at various phases of game play. This capability is implemented, for example, when a background is presented to highlight a scatter symbol, and the non-scatter symbols in the matrix of symbols are adjusted by the controller to have more transparency when the background is displayed. 
         [0012]    Although a display having single transmissive LCD panel is described herein, this single panel may comprise a composite including a touch screen, a protective cover, reflective elements, and a portion for displaying images. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that the term “single panel display” is broadly understood to include a composite display where the functional components are integrated. 
         [0013]    The display mounts on the housing in communication with the control unit via a video cable, for example. The display is capable of displaying not only two dimensional objects, but also provides for the perception of depth, i.e. a third dimension. The display in such a case minimally includes a first layer for displaying a background and a second layer overlying the first layer. The second layer displays the matrix of symbols including any scatter symbol included in the matrix of symbols. The second layer is adjustably transmissive to enable a gaming machine player to simultaneously view the background, or at least portions of the background. 
         [0014]    Where the second layer is adjusted to be at least partially transmissive, it permits simultaneous viewing of the background and the matrix of symbols. In one embodiment, the second layer becomes more transmissive when a scatter symbol is present. The background is changeable to highlight at least one of the symbols of the matrix of symbols. Preferably, the background highlights the scatter symbol by adding depth, color, light and imagery, such as a still, changing, or moving image. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment of the invention, the matrix of symbols has rows and columns. The control unit causes the scatter symbol to be displayed in one of the columns on the second layer. The control unit changes the background of the column in which the scatter symbol is displayed to highlight the scatter symbol. Where the column is formatted to resemble a reel, or comprises a physical reel, the background highlights an area in proximity to the scatter symbol. Preferably, the control unit causes the background image to be displayed in a portion of the column where the scatter symbol is displayed. 
         [0016]    More preferably, the control unit changes the background of an area extending on the background layer from the scatter symbol to, and including, the top row. Highlighting the column where the scatter symbol appears enables the scatter symbol to be an opaque object, which obscures a portion of the background, while enabling the other portions of the background to highlight the scatter symbol, at least in the column (or reel) portion situated above the scatter symbol. Where the scatter symbol appears in the top row, the background highlights the column generally below the scatter symbol in the same column where the scatter symbol is displayed. 
         [0017]    According to one embodiment of the invention, the degree of transparency of symbols appearing in the same column where a scatter symbol is displayed are adjusted from opaque objects to partially transparent objects. 
         [0018]    The format of the background may take any of a variety of forms. Preferably, the control unit generates an image resembling light beams extending on the background layer from the scatter symbol extending radially outwards from the scatter symbol, and particularly extending to the top row to highlight the scatter symbol. Where multiple scatter symbols appear on the matrix of symbols, an image of light beams extend from each of the scatter symbols. 
         [0019]    The image of light beams extends at regular arc intervals to achieve symmetry, which has been determined to be aesthetically pleasing to gaming machine players. The image of light beams includes one end adjacent the scatter symbol, and a second end. The image of light beams varies in brightness intensity where the brightness intensity at the one end is greater than the intensity at the second end. The image of light beams may be linearly scaled in intensity from the one end adjacent the scatter symbol to the second end. 
         [0020]    In a variation of the present invention, display includes a third layer and the control unit causes the third layer to generate an image to further highlight the scatter symbol, adding depth, color, light and imagery. The image on the third layer can be a still, changing, or a moving image. The image on the third layer and the background cooperate to highlight the scatter symbol. 
         [0021]    During game play, reels are brought to a run state and each reel may be randomly stopped. In a case when the scatter symbol is displayed on a stopped reel then a center position of this scatter symbol is determined. For each reel where a scatter symbol is shown a background is generated having a pattern based on the center position of the respective scatter symbol on the reel. The background image and the symbol images of the respective reels are combined respectively merged to get a new display image that is displayed at the respective reel. The symbols may be fully opaque or partially transparent in foreground, for example. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a housing having a display in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a front view of a display. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a front view of a display. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a front view of a display. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of a display having multiple layers. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the background layer of the display of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a flow chart in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  shows a computer and a display interface in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a system diagram in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]      FIG. 1  shows a gaming machine  10 . The gaming machine  10  includes a housing  12  with a display  14  and a user interface  16 . The gaming machine  10  is preferably a slot machine. Slot machine is broadly construed as any gaming machine that is capable of enabling a player to play for entertainment with a probability of a payout. 
         [0032]    The interface  16  is supported by the housing  12 . The interface  16  faces a user, who may be standing or sitting in proximity to the machine  10 . The interface  16  enables user input to initiate and continue game play. 
         [0033]    The display  14  is configured to display a matrix of symbols  26  that imitate mechanical slot machine reels according to one aspect of the invention. Accordingly, each column of the matrix of symbols imitates a single mechanical slot machine reel. The display  14  is angled with respect to the floor to face a user. 
         [0034]    In another embodiment of the invention, the interface  16  includes mechanical slot machine reels. It can be appreciated that hybrid arrangements having both digital and mechanical components are contemplated herein. 
         [0035]    The matrix  26  has four rows and five columns. The matrix also includes a top row  28 . The matrix  26 , however, may include any number of rows and columns in accordance with various game formats. The matrix  26  includes a plurality of symbols  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  and  24   d.    
         [0036]    In one aspect of the invention, the symbols  24  include playing card values, such as King, Jack, Queen, Joker and various numerical card values. The symbols  24  may also include any other symbols that create interest to a player including symbol  24   a , which resembles a pet. Symbol  24   c  is a scatter symbol, which according to the particular game shown, comprises a heart shaped symbol. Although a poker-based theme is described herein, it can be appreciated that the present invention also encompasses non-poker based themes. 
         [0037]    The symbols  24  can include digital images, or video-streamed images, or a combination of thereof. Such digital images, or video streamed images, or any combination thereof, may be displayed using virtual reels. Video streamed images enable the symbols  24  to yield an evolving appearance. In particular the size, character and transparency of the symbols may change during game play, particularly upon the appearance of a scatter symbol. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  shows the display  14 . Each column of the matrix spins, resembling mechanical reels, and then the reels stop in a random position. The matrix  26  includes two scatter symbols  24   c  and  24   e , aligned in the second column  30  and third column  32 , respectively. A background  28  and a background  29  is displayed on the second column  30  and the third column  32 , respectively. 
         [0039]    Each background  28  and  29  extends from the scatter symbol  24   c  and  24   e , respectively up to and including the top row  28 . The background  28  and the background  29  include an image representing light beams extending radially from a center defined by each scatter symbols  24   c  and  24   e , respectively. Each background  28  and  29  is configured to display the image of light beams so that they are depicted in regular arc intervals, where the images of light beams extend radially outwards from a center position defined in the corresponding scatter symbol and are being confined or trimmed by the width (dimension) of the respective reel. At least some of the images of light beams extend to, and are depicted on, the top row  28  on each reel where a scatter symbol appears. 
         [0040]    The term “image resembling light beams” includes a representation of light rays that originate from a point and expand from that point. As such, the width of the light rays increases in a proportion directly dependent on the distance away from the point of origination. Each light ray is spaced from an adjacent light ray and the space between adjacent light rays increases in a proportion directly dependent on the distance away from the point of origination. 
         [0041]      FIG. 3  shows the display  14  and another spin position of the matrix of symbols  26 . The matrix of symbols  26  includes two scatter symbols  24   c  and  24   e . The backgrounds  28  and  29  both extend from the scatter symbols  24   c  and  24   e , respectively, to the top row  28 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 4  shows the display  14  having a matrix of symbols  26  with three scatter symbols  24   c ,  24   e  and  24   f . The background  28 ,  29  and  30  extend from the respective scatter symbols  24   c ,  24   e  and  24   f  to the top row  28  and to a bottom row. Game play is adapted so that any symbol displayed on the background  28 ,  29  and  30  is considered “wild”, thus increasing payout for any payline implicated. In this figure, for example, since the symbol “9” is displayed on the background, and the numeral “9” is thus considered “wild”, and the row  28  includes a “k” symbol representing a king in card play, then the payline comprising the top row  28  yields a payout associated with four kings, according to game play rules. 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of the display  14  according to another embodiment of the invention. The display  14  comprises a first layer  34 , a second layer  36  and a third layer  38 , which are discrete LCD panels At least two of the LCD panels are transmissive to enable the first layer  34  to display a background  40 , visible to a game player. The display  14  is capable of displaying not only two dimensional objects, but also provides for the perception of depth, i.e. a third dimension. 
         [0044]    The second layer  36  displays a matrix of symbols  26  including the scatter symbol  32  positioned on the bottom row  44  of the matrix of symbols  26 . As shown the scatter symbol  32  is opaque. The layer  38  displays an image  42  to highlight the scatter symbol  32 . The image  42  is an image of light rays extending radially from the center  43 , which corresponds to the center of scatter symbol  32 . The background  40  is also an image of light rays aligned with and extending from the center of the scatter symbol  32 , or from a peripheral point of the scatter symbol, and extending on the reel where the scatter symbol  32  appears. The image  42  of the third layer  38  and the background  40  of the first layer  34  cooperate to highlight the scatter symbol  32 . 
         [0045]    The display  14  may include various projection devices and mirrors to project or communicate images onto either the first layer  34  or the third layer  38 . The display  14  may include a second layer  36  as an integral part of the surface of a mechanical reel and the second layer may be flat or arcuate in shape. It can be appreciated that although the display is described using transmissive LCD technology, that the display  14  may also incorporate CRT, dot matrix, LED, OLED or electroluminescent technology. 
         [0046]    The symbols and images displayed by the display  14  are superimposed according to the matrix of symbols  26  and the third layer  38  and the second layer  36  can be made transparent, translucent, or opaque in selected locations, and the degree of translucency can vary per instructions by the control unit. 
         [0047]      FIG. 6  shows the first layer  34  of the display  14 . The background  40  extends in a single column to the top row  28  from the bottom row  44  where the scatter symbol is displayed (see also  FIG. 5 ). 
         [0048]      FIG. 7  shows a flowchart of a method  50  in accordance with the present invention. The method  50  includes the step  52  of providing a housing, a control unit having a memory, a processor, display control circuitry and a display having a first layer and a second layer. The method  10  includes the step  54  of displaying a background with the first layer, the step  56  of displaying a matrix of symbols  26  on the second layer and the step  58  of highlighting at least one symbol of the matrix of symbols with the background. 
         [0049]    The first layer, the second layer and the third layer are virtual layers generated by the control unit and are displayed on a single panel display. 
         [0050]    The controller generates a scatter symbol and communicates the scatter symbol to the display. The display presents the matrix of symbols and the scatter symbol as part of the matrix of symbols. The controller generates, communicates and causes the display to present a background image to highlight the scatter symbol. In one embodiment of the invention, the additional step of displaying the remaining matrix of symbols, which are normally opaque, as partially transmissive so that the background can be more readily seen and so that the background adds more significant highlight to the scatter symbol. 
         [0051]    According to one embodiment of the method  10  an additional step of providing a third layer enables further highlighting of the scatter symbol. 
         [0052]      FIG. 8  shows the computer  84 , which mounts in the housing  12  of the gaming machine  10  and the computer  84  connects with a display  80 . The display  80  includes a transmissive LCD panel and may include an integrated touch-screen. The computer includes a main board  86  having a controller, memory connected to the main board for storing software, software stored in the memory for operating the display  80 , software drivers, and a main processor. 
         [0053]      FIG. 9  shows a system diagram of the computer  84 . The main board  86  includes program memory  88  being a computer readable medium, a main processor  90  and RAM  92  connected in operative communication. The computer  84  has an input output I/O controller  94 . The I/O controller  94  communicates with a control panel  96 , display interface driver circuitry  98 , a display unit  100 , a coin acceptor  102 , a bill acceptor  104 , a card reader  106 , a ticket reader/printer  108 , and a sound circuit  110 . The sound circuit  110  is in operative communication with speakers  112 . 
         [0054]    The coin acceptor  102  and the bill acceptor  104  accept currency and communicate the amount accepted to the I/O controller  94 . The card reader  106  reads credit cards, debit cards, gift cards or other card having electronic indicia of monetary value. 
         [0055]    The ticket reader  108  prints tickets and receipts revealing the winnings of a player, or other financial outcome. The ticket reader  108  also receives tickets having indicia of monetary value, such as a bar code, which is read by the ticket reader  108 . 
         [0056]    The sound circuit  110  is configured to provide an acoustic-based interface for the user. Each movement or action by a user may result in a particular sound, or instruction being generated by the computer  84 . The speakers  112  communicate the sounds to the user. 
         [0057]    Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.” 
         [0058]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
         [0059]    As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term or is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0060]    The headings and the Abstract provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments. 
         [0061]    It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various processes described herein may be implemented by, e.g., appropriately programmed general purpose computers, special purpose computers and computing devices. Typically a controller unit includes one or more microprocessors, one or more microcontrollers, one or more digital signal processors will receive instructions e.g., from a memory or like device, and execute those instructions, thereby performing one or more processes defined by those instructions. 
         [0062]    A “processor” means one or more microprocessors, central processing units CPUs, computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, or like devices or any combination thereof. 
         [0063]    Various embodiments can be configured to work in a network environment including the computer  84  that is in communication e.g., via a communications network with one or more devices. The computer  84  may communicate with the devices directly or indirectly, via any wired or wireless medium e.g. the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring, a telephone line, a cable line, a radio channel, an optical communications line, commercial on-line service providers, bulletin board systems, a satellite communications link, a combination of any of the above. Any number and type of devices may be in communication with the computer. 
         [0064]    In one embodiment, the present invention may be practiced on a network of one or more devices without a central authority. In such an embodiment, any functions described herein as performed by the server computer or data described as stored on the server computer may instead be performed by or stored on one or more such devices. 
         [0065]    While the present invention is disclosed in terms of various specific embodiments, it can be appreciated that these embodiments are by way of example only. There are several variations contemplated by the present invention, and with the popularity of electronic gaming interfaces, the term “reel” should be broadly understood to include any set of moveable images, defining a matrix column, that are used to establish a payout. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.