Patent Publication Number: US-2010113128-A1

Title: Methods and apparatus for determining a reel strip position

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to gaming machines, such as slot machines, and, more specifically, to methods and apparatus for use in determining a position of a slot machine reel. 
     At least some known gaming machines that include reel assemblies that use indirect methods to infer that the gaming machine displays a correct set of game reel strip positions to a player. However, reel strip graphics may be improperly positioned on the reel, and/or the reel mechanism may be installed at the incorrect reel location within the gaming machine cabinet. Either of such errors may result in erroneous player displays, which may lead to disputes between the player and a casino that operates the gaming machine. 
     For example, at least some known reel assemblies used in gaming machines detect the rotational position of a reel by sensing rotational motion of a toothed encoder wheel that is molded into a reel cage that contains the reel. In such an assembly, a reel strip is coupled to the reel cage using an index notch that fixes the reel strip at a known orientation relative to the encoder wheel. As such, when the reel stops at a specified position, the symbol displayed to a player is inferred. If the reel strip is correctly mounted such that the notches on reel strip and the reel cage are aligned, then the inference is correct. In addition, the reel strip must be the correct one for the application for which it is used. 
     However, in known gaming machines and reel assemblies, there is currently no means for ensuring that the reel strip is correctly mounted and that the reel strip is appropriate for the application for which it is used. As such, a reel strip may be mounted incorrectly such that the notches are misaligned, or an incorrect reel strip may be used in the gaming machine. For example, a reel strip intended to be used on a middle reel of a gaming machine may be alternatively or unknowingly mounted on a left reel. Accordingly, it is desirable that an orientation and an identity of each reel strip used in a gaming machine be determined directly rather than inferred. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, a gaming machine is provided. The gaming machine includes a reel strip having a plurality of patterns, a sensor configured to detect a pattern of the plurality of patterns, and a controller coupled to the sensor, wherein the controller is programmed to determine an orientation of the reel strip and an identity of the reel strip based on the detected pattern. 
     In another aspect, a reel assembly for use in a gaming machine is provided. The reel assembly includes a reel, which includes a reel strip having a plurality of indicia. The reel assembly also includes a sensor configured to detect a pattern of the plurality of indicia and to transmit a signal representative of the detected indicia to a gaming machine controller to facilitate determining an orientation of the reel strip and an identity of the reel strip. 
     In another aspect, a method for detecting a position of a reel mechanism in a gaming machine is provided. The method includes receiving a sensor signal responsive to movement of a reel strip having a plurality of reel stops, wherein the sensor signal corresponds to a particular pattern of a plurality of patterns encoded on a laminate applied to the reel strip, and determining a reel stop based on the sensor signal. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary gaming machine; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary slot reel assembly that may be used with the gaming machine shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of interior parts of the slot reel assembly shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of an exemplary reel strip that may be used with the slot reel assembly shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of an exemplary system used to detect a position of a slot reel in the gaming machine shown in  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart showing an exemplary method for detecting a position of a slot reel in the gaming machine shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Exemplary applications of apparatus and methods according to the present invention are described herein. These examples are provided solely to add context and to aid in the understanding of the invention. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Other applications are possible, such that the following example should not be taken as definitive or limiting either in scope or setting. In the detailed description that follows, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments of the present invention. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention, it is understood that these examples are not limiting, such that other embodiments may be used and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     Various advantages of the present invention include the introduction of devices for use with an interactive gaming table that is more fully automated, providing added benefits to the gaming operator, and also having various automated and player-friendly items and functionalities. The devices described herein may be used to, for example, award bonus jackpots to one or more players and/or to enable one or more players to step through gaming sequences according to the actions of one or more players using such devices. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary gaming machine  100 . In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine  100  includes a main cabinet  102  that includes a main door  104  on a front  106  of gaming machine  100 . Main door  104  is openable to provide access to the interior of gaming machine  100 , and includes a locking mechanism (not shown) to limit access to the interior of gaming machine  100 . A plurality of player-input buttons  108  are coupled to main door  104 , along with a coin acceptor  110 , a bill validator  112 , a coin tray  114 , and a belly glass  116 . Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of slot reel assemblies  118  are viewable through main door  104 . Each slot reel assembly  118  is covered with a reel strip (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) that is described in more detail below. Slot reel assemblies  118  are positioned behind a display panel  120 . A video display monitor  122  is located above main door  104 . In one embodiment, video display monitor  122  is a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor. In another embodiment, video display monitor  122  is a liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor. Various embodiments of gaming machine  100  may utilize video display monitor  122  to provide additional features, such as bonus games and/or attract sequences, to a base game being played on gaming machine  100 . 
     Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine  100  also includes an information panel  124  positioned adjacent slot reel assemblies  118 . In the exemplary embodiment, information panel  124  is a back-lit, silk-screened glass panel, and includes lettering or other indicia that indicate general game information such as a number of coins played. Gaming machine  100  also includes a slot reel handle  126  coupled to main cabinet  102 . Slot reel handle  126  may be used by a player to activate slot reel assemblies  118  during game play. In addition, the player may interact with bill validator  112 , player-input buttons  108 , video display monitor  122 , and information panel  124  during game play. Each of these devices is controlled by circuitry (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) housed within main cabinet  102 . 
     During play of gaming machine  100 , a player inserts cash using bill validator  112  and/or coin acceptor  110 . Alternatively, the player may insert a ticket into bill validator  112 , wherein the ticket is worth a predefined amount of money or credits. At the start of the game, the player initiates game play by pulling on slot reel handle  126  or by pressing one of the plurality of player-input buttons  108 . During the game, the player may view additional game information and/or be presented with additional game options using video display monitor  122  and/or information panel  124 . Moreover, during the game, the player may be prompted to make a number of decisions that may affect the outcome of the game. The player may input such decisions using player-input buttons  108 . Further, during certain game events, gaming machine  100  may display visual effects and/or emit audible effects that are perceived by the player in order to add excitement to the game. Visual effects may include, but are not limited to only including, flashing lights, strobing lights, and/or other patterns displayed by lights (not shown) on gaming machine  100  and/or positioned behind belly glass  116 . Moreover, visual effects may be displayed via patterns on video display monitor  122  and/or from lights (not shown) positioned on slot reel assemblies  118 . Auditory effects may include, but are not limited to only including, various sounds that are projected by speakers (not shown). After a game is completed, the player may receive game tokens or coins from coin tray  114 . 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary slot reel assembly  118  that may be used with gaming machine  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In the exemplary embodiment, a reel shelf  128  within main cabinet  102  supports multiple slot reel assemblies  118 . Each slot reel assembly  118  includes a slot reel  130  that includes a reel strip  132  applied thereto. Each reel strip  132  is covered with a plurality of symbols  134  that are utilized during game play. Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, reel strip  132  also includes a plurality of identification patterns  136  and/or marks that each correspond to a particular reel stop. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, each slot reel assembly  118  is coupled to a mating connector  138 . Mating connector  138  provides connections to a power supply (not shown) and to control circuitry (not shown) housed within main cabinet  102 . Further, slot reel assembly  118  includes an infrared (IR) light emitter  140  that emits IR light through reel strip  132 . In the exemplary embodiment, IR emitter  140  is positioned in an interior space of reel strip  132  and is oriented to direct IR light through reel strip  132  into the exterior of reel strip  132 . In an alternative embodiment, IR emitter  140  is coupled to reel chassis  146  and is oriented to direct IR light through reel strip  132  into an interior space of reel strip  132 . 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of interior parts of slot reel assembly  118 . In the exemplary embodiment, slot reel  130  includes two reel halves  142 . In the exemplary embodiment, reel strip  132  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) is positioned over an edge  144  of each reel half  142 . Reel halves  142  are supported by a reel chassis  146  mounted to reel shelf  128  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), as described above. Prior to game play, each slot reel  130  is typically motionless. Upon game initiation, each slot reel  130  is set in a rotating motion by a stepper motor  148  mounted to reel chassis  146  and coupled to each reel half  142  to facilitate rotation of each slot reel  130 . Stepper motor  148  accelerates each reel half  142  to a desired rotational velocity and stops each reel half  142  at a predetermined position. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, slot reel assembly  118  includes an infrared (IR) light sensor  150  that detects IR light emitted through reel strip  132  by IR emitter  140 . In the exemplary embodiment, IR sensor  150  is positioned exterior to reel strip  132  in order to detect IR light emitted from IR emitter  140 , which is positioned within the interior space of reel strip  132  such that the IR light emitted by IR emitter  140  passes through reel strip  132  into the exterior of reel strip  132 . In an alternative embodiment, IR sensor  150  is positioned in an interior space of reel strip  132  and is oriented to detect IR light emitted exterior to reel strip  132  such that the IR light passes through reel strip  132  into the interior space. 
       FIG. 4  is a top view of an exemplary reel strip, such as reel strip  132  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). As described above, reel strip  132  includes a plurality of symbols  134  that may be displayed to a player of gaming machine  100  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). In the exemplary embodiment, reel strip  132  includes a laminate  152  that is transparent to visible light and opaque to infrared (IR) light. Laminate  152  includes a plurality of patterns  136  or markings that each identify a particular reel stop along reel strip  132 . More specifically, each pattern  136  enables IR light to pass through laminate  152 . In one embodiment, laminate  152  is applied to a top surface  154  of reel strip  132  between a first end  156  and an opposite second end  158 . In an alternative embodiment, laminate  152  is embedded within reel strip  132 . In another alternative embodiment, laminate  152  is applied to a bottom surface  160  of reel strip  132 . 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram of an exemplary system  200  that may be used to detect a position of a slot reel, such as slot reel  130  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), using infrared (IR) light. In the exemplary embodiment, system  200  includes a master gaming controller  202  that controls a plurality of devices including, but not limited to only including, an effects light  204 , a back light  206 , a sound device  208 , a printer  210 , a touch screen  212 , information panel  124 , and/or video display monitor  122 . Moreover, master gaming controller  202  is communicatively coupled to a gaming network controller (not shown) to facilitate communicating information to the gaming network controller including, but not limited to only including, status information of gaming machine  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and/or alarm information relating to gaming machine  100 , slot reel  130 , and/or reel strip  132 . Further, master gaming controller  202  also controls a slot reel controller  214 , stepper motor  148 , IR emitter  140 , and IR sensor  150 . Using standard communication connections, master gaming controller  202  transmits instructions to a device to perform a specific function. In the exemplary embodiment, master gaming controller  202  transmits low-level instructions to devices that are directly controlled by master gaming controller  202 , such as turning on a particular light, turning off a particular light, starting a motor, and/or stopping a motor. In addition, master gaming controller  202  transmits high-level instructions to slot reel controller  214  to, for example, stop each slot reel  130  at a particular reel stop. Further, master gaming controller  202  stores an identifier associated with each reel strip  132  to facilitate ensuring that each reel strip  132  is coupled to an expected slot reel assembly  118 . Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, master gaming controller  202  stores a listing of each pattern  136  encoded within laminate  152  and a reel stop associated with each pattern  136  to facilitate ensuring that slot reel  130  stops at a desired reel stop. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, effects light  204  includes at least one light that may be activated during the course of game play to add excitement for a player. The light may be activated in one or more patterns such as, but not limited to, a strobing pattern and/or a flashing pattern. Back light  206  provides visible light that illuminates each symbol  134  on reel strip  132  (both shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 ). Moreover, sound device  208  provides various sound effects during the course of game play. Such sound effects may include the sound of a slot reel making a clicking noise and/or any other sound pattern used to add excitement and interest during game play. Sound device  208  may include one or more speakers (not shown) and an amplifier (not shown) that provides power to the speakers. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, master gaming controller  202  is operatively coupled to IR emitter  140  and IR sensor  150 . 
     During operation, an outcome of a game is typically determined by the symbols  134  displayed to the player on each slot reel  130 . Different combinations of symbols  134  may result in different game outcomes. The probability of a particular symbol  134  appearing on a slot reel  130  may be determined by software residing on master gaming controller  202 . When a game is initiated by a player, master gaming controller  202  randomly selects a particular symbol  134  that should appear on each slot reel  130 . Master gaming controller  202  transmits instructions to slot reel controller  214  to initiate a sequence wherein slot reel  130  is initially spun and then stopped at a position, or reel stop, that corresponds to the selected symbol  134 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, motion of slot reel  130  is controlled by stepper motor  148  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) based on, for example, motor parameters such as, but not limited to, acceleration constants and/or a desired step rate, and/or on slot reel assembly parameters such as a moment of inertia. For example, stepper motor  148  starts rotation of slot reel  130  from an initial stationary position, accelerates slot reel  130  to a desired rotational velocity, and then decelerates slot reel  130  in discrete steps. Finally, stepper motor  148  stops slot reel  130  at a desired reel stop that is transmitted by master gaming controller  202  to slot reel controller  214 . 
     To verify that the symbol displayed by each slot reel  130  and/or to verify that a correct reel strip  132  has been included in each slot reel assembly  118 , IR emitter  140  emits IR light through reel strip  132  towards IR sensor  150 . More specifically, IR emitter  140  emits IR light through patterns  136  encoded in laminate  152 , and the patterned IR light is detected by IR sensor  150 . IR sensor  150  then generates a signal representative of the detected pattern  136  and transmits that signal to master gaming controller  202 , wherein the signal is processed. Master gaming controller  202  determines the sensed pattern  136  and compares the sensed pattern  136  to the stored listing of patterns  136  and associated reel stops to determine whether the desired reel stop has been used for slot reel  130 . As such, master gaming controller  202 , IR emitter  140 , IR sensor  150 , and laminate  152  including patterns  136  facilitate ensuring a correct alignment of each reel strip  132 . 
     Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, master gaming controller  202  periodically determines that each slot reel assembly  118  includes a desired reel strip  132 . A particular pattern  136  encoded in laminate  152  is detected by IR sensor  150  as described above. IR sensor  150  generates a signal representative of the sensed pattern  136  and transmits the signal to master gaming controller  202 . In the exemplary embodiment, master gaming controller  202  determines a reel strip identity based on the sensed pattern  136  and compares the determined reel strip identity to the stored listing of patterns  136  and associated reel strip identities to determine whether the desired reel strip  132  has been used for each slot reel assembly  118 . As such, master gaming controller  202 , IR emitter, IR sensor  150 , and laminate  152  including patterns  136  facilitate ensuring a correct application of a desired reel strip  132  to each slot reel assembly  118 . 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method  300  for detecting a position of a slot reel, such as slot reel  130  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), in a gaming machine, such as gaming machine  100  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). In the exemplary embodiment, master gaming controller  202  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) instructs stepper motor  148  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) to rotate slot reel  130  in response to a player command to initiate a new spin  302 . Stepper motor  148  rotates slot reel  130  from an initial stationary position, accelerates slot reel  130  to a desired rotational velocity, and then decelerates slot reel  130  in discrete steps. Finally, stepper motor  148  stops slot reel  130  at a desired reel stop that is transmitted by master gaming controller  202  to slot reel controller  214  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). 
     Prior to the spin, and during the spin, master gaming controller  202  also instructs an IR emitter  140  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) to emit IR light through a reel strip  132  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) that includes a laminate  152  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) having a plurality of patterns  136  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) encoded thereon. An IR sensor  150  (shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 ) detects  304  a particular pattern  136 , upon stoppage of slot reel  130 , and generates  306  a signal representative of the detected pattern  136 . IR sensor  150  transmits the signal to master gaming controller  202 , and master gaming controller  202  determines  308  a reel stop based on the detected pattern  136 . In the exemplary embodiment, master gaming controller  202  then determines  310  an orientation of reel strip  132  based on the determined reel stop. Moreover, master gaming controller  202  determines  312  an identity of reel strip  132  based on the determined reel stop. In an alternative embodiment, IR sensor  150  may detect a particular pattern  136  prior to rotation of slot reel  130  to facilitate determining an identity of reel strip  132 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, master gaming controller  202  compares  314  the determined orientation of reel strip  132  to a desired orientation of reel strip  132 . If the determined orientation of reel strip  132  does not match the desired orientation, master gaming controller  202  disables  316  slot reel assembly  118 . Alternatively, master gaming controller  202  may generate an alarm through sound device  208  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) to reflect an incorrect orientation of reel strip  132  and to enable gaming machine  100  to be repaired and/or removed from play. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, master gaming controller  202  compares  318  the determined identity of reel strip  132  to a desired identity of reel strip  132 . If the determined identity of reel strip  132  does not match the desired identity, master gaming controller  202  disables  316  slot reel assembly  118 . Alternatively, master gaming controller  202  may generate an alarm through sound device  208  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) to reflect an incorrect identity of reel strip  132 . 
     In addition to generating an alarm through sound device  208 , master gaming controller  202  may communicate a status of gaming machine  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) to a gaming network controller (not shown). Alternatively, master gaming controller  202  may communicate the reel strip identity and/or orientation to the gaming network controller to match against a desired reel strip identity and/or orientation. For example, master gaming controller  202  may send a message or signal to the gaming network controller that includes the determined reel strip identity and/or reel strip orientation. The gaming network controller may then compare the determined reel strip identity and/or reel strip orientation to a stored, or desired, reel strip identity and/or reel strip orientation. If a match occurs, the gaming network controller may then send a message or signal to master gaming controller  202  that instructs master gaming controller  202  to enable further play at gaming machine  100 . If a mismatch occurs, the gaming network controller may send a message or signal to master gaming controller  202  that instructs master gaming controller to disable gaming machine  100 . Moreover, the gaming network controller may send notification to service and/or casino personnel. Similarly, master gaming controller  202  may send a message or signal to the gaming network controller that includes a notification of a reel strip identity mismatch from an expected identity and/or a reel strip orientation mismatch from an expected orientation. Further, master gaming controller  202  may send a message or signal to the gaming network controller that includes a notification of when a reel strip identity and/or a reel strip orientation is changed. Such messages and/or signals enable the gaming network controller to confirm whether the proper reel strip symbols are being displayed to the player. Moreover, such messages and/or signals enable the gaming network controller to confirm that a game downloaded to gaming machine  100  has a corresponding set of reel strips being displayed to the player. 
     In addition, when a reel strip identity mismatch occurs, the gaming network controller may determine if an alternate game exists that corresponds to the actual reel strip identity received by the gaming network controller from master gaming controller  202 . More specifically, the gaming network controller may determine whether a game exists that corresponds to the actual reel strip identity. The gaming network controller may then originate a game program download to gaming machine  100 . In some embodiments, the master gaming controller  202  may direct gaming machine  100  to display a message to a current player and/or potential players that gaming machine  100  is currently being serviced, or is currently downloading a new game. Alternatively, the gaming network controller may offer a current player an opportunity to originate a game program download to gaming machine  100 , such that the player may then correctly continue play at gaming machine  100  with a game that corresponds to the actual reel strip identity. 
     The above-described methods and apparatus enable a gaming machine to automatically determine whether a desired reel strip has been correctly installed based on a reel stop determined by emitting IR light through a series of patterned marks encoded in a laminate applied to, or embedded within, the reel strip. Ensuring that a desired reel strip has been installed in a gaming machine and/or ensuring that the reel strip has been installed with a desired orientation facilitates preventing disputes resulting from incorrect payouts of gaming machines and enhances playing experience to the player. Moreover, ensuring the correct identity and/or orientation of the reel strip facilitates preventing installation of counterfeit reel strips. Further, games having such measures may be advertised to distinguish such games from competitors as being more likely to accurately reflect wins and/or winnings. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.