Patent Publication Number: US-8974298-B2

Title: System for animating mechanical reels on a gaming machine

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/408,784, filed Feb. 29, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/196,237, filed Aug. 21, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,137,182, issued Mar. 20, 2012, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Gaming machines have been developed having various features to capture and maintain player interest. Traditionally, gaming machines garner player interest by providing the player with the opportunity to win cash awards based upon a player&#39;s wager. Accordingly, various types of games or game features have been developed to provide players with the opportunity to win large sums of money for a small wager. For example, games may include one or more bonus games or the opportunity to win progressive jackpots in order to maintain player interest. 
     Additionally, over the years, gaming machines have grown in sophistication and features to maintain player interest. For example, the mechanical reels of traditional gaming machines have been replaced with video depictions of spinning reels. These video gaming machines provide a richer gaming experience for players by including graphics or animation as part of the game. Nevertheless, mechanical gaming machines continue to be successful even though there are physical limitations as to the features that may be provided on a mechanical gaming machine. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for slot machine variants that provide a player with enhanced excitement without departing from the original slot machine gaming concept. 
     SUMMARY 
     Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments are directed to gaming machines having animation presented on one or more reels. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a plurality of reels, each having symbols provided on an outer surface of each of the reels. Additionally, the gaming machine includes a lighting system configured to illuminate at least two selected symbols on at least one reel, wherein the at least two selected symbols are different but graphically related. Continuing, the gaming machine also includes a game controller for generating a game outcome and a reel control unit in communication with the game controller. The reel control unit determines the timing of illuminating of the at least two selected symbols, wherein a combined effect of illuminating the at least two selected symbols produces an appearance of animation because the at least two selected symbols are different but graphically related. 
     In another embodiment, the gaming machine includes one or more reels displayed in a display area. Each reel has symbols drawn on an outer circumference, and one or more of the symbols on each reel is viewable in the display area. Continuing, the gaming machine also includes a lighting system positioned within the gaming machine and configured to illuminate a first selected symbol on a first reel and then illuminate a second selected symbol on the first reel to produce an appearance of movement or motion across multiple positions on the first reel. 
     In still another embodiment, the gaming machine includes a display window and one or more reels positioned behind the display window. Each of the one or more reels has indicia provided on an outer surface of each of the reels. Continuing, the gaming machine also includes a reel control unit that determines an animation profile for at least one reel having a first symbol and a second symbol associated therewith. The first symbol is different but graphically related to the second symbol. Additionally, an animation sequence appears on at least one reel because the first and second symbols are different but graphically related. 
     Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the features of the various embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a gaming machine configured to produce an animation effect. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a gaming machine. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a reel basket. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of one embodiment of a reel basket. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates one example embodiment of an animation sequence. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates another example embodiment of an animation sequence. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates another example embodiment of an animation sequence. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates another example embodiment of an animation sequence. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to providing animation on a reel gaming machine. In particular, reels are used to simulate the appearance of animation in the display area of a gaming machine. 
     More particularly, as the reel is spinning and the symbol (also called an icon) passes in front of a display window, an illumination system first activates a light to illuminate the selected symbol on the spinning reel and then deactivates the light so that the symbol is no longer illuminated. The brief illumination of the symbols simulates the appearance of stopped motion for a small amount of time. As the next symbol in the reel strip animation sequence passes by, the illumination system again strobes a light. In other words, a light is again turned on and then off to briefly illuminate the next symbol, again giving the appearance of a stopped motion. The combined effect of the multiple stopped motion effects gives the appearance of animation on a reel. 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings, and more particularly to  FIGS. 1-8 , there are shown various embodiments of a system and method for producing animation on a gaming machine. Specifically,  FIG. 1  illustrates a gaming machine  10 . The gaming machine  10  includes three reels  20  that are visible through a display window  12 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the gaming machine  10  may have any number of reels  20 . Additionally, one or more symbols  22  are provided on the outer surface of each reel  12 . 
     The reels  20  are housed in a gaming cabinet  14 . The main cabinet  14  of the gaming machine  10  is a self-standing unit that is generally rectangular in shape. In other embodiments, the cabinet (not shown) may be a slant-top, bar-top, or table-top style cabinet. However, any shaped cabinet may be used with any embodiment of the gaming machine  10  and sized for a player to be able to sit or stand while playing a game. Additionally, the cabinet  14  may be manufactured with reinforced steel or other rigid materials that are resistant to tampering and vandalism. 
     The gaming machine  10  includes one or more input mechanisms. In one embodiment, the gaming machine  10  may include a plurality of player-activated buttons  18 , which may be used for numerous functions such as, but not limited to, selecting a wager denomination, selecting a number of games to be played, selecting a wager amount per game, initiating a game, or cashing out money from the gaming machine  10 . The buttons  18  function as input mechanisms and may include mechanical buttons, electromechanical buttons or touch screen buttons. Optionally, handle  19  may also serve as an input mechanism. More particularly, the handle  19  may be “pulled” by a player to initiate a game. 
     The gaming machine  10  may also include one or more speakers  24 . Various types of audio may be output to the speakers  24 . 
     In various embodiments, the gaming machine  10  shown may also include a ticket reader/ticket printer system  16  that is associated with a cashless gaming system. In one embodiment, the ticket reader/ticket printer system may print out and/or issue tickets. In another embodiment, the ticket reader/ticket printer system  16  is capable of accepting previously-printed vouchers, paper currency, promotional coupons, or the like. The ticket reader/ticket printer system  16  of the cashless gaming system may generate vouchers having printed information that includes, but is not limited to, the value of the voucher (i.e., cash-out amount) and a barcode that identifies the voucher. 
     Optionally, in an alternate embodiment, the ticket reader/ticket printer system  16  includes a bill acceptor, which is an assembly that examines currency or coupons and communicates the value to the machine. Accepted items register as credits, and rejected items are returned to the player. In one optional embodiment, the slot  24  works in conjunction with a bill acceptor assembly. Alternately, in an optional embodiment, the gaming machine  10  includes a separate bill acceptor (not shown). In one embodiment, the bill acceptor device may include an embedded web server that delivers a management user interface to a web browser. The management user interface may be used to control and configure various functions and operations of the bill acceptor. 
     The gaming machine  10  may further include a player tracking system (not shown). The player tracking system allows a casino to monitor the gaming activities of various players. Additionally, the player tracking system is able to store data relating to a player&#39;s gaming habits. That is, a player can accrue player points that depend upon the amount and frequency of their wagers. Casinos can use these player points to compensate the loyal patronage of players. For example, casinos may award or “comp” a player free meals, room accommodations, tickets to shows, and invitations to casino events and promotional affairs. 
     Typically, the player tracking system is operatively connected to one or more input components on the gaming machine  10 . These input components include, but are not limited to, a card reader  26  for receiving a player tracking card, a keypad or equivalent, an electronic button receptor, a touch screen and the like. The player tracking system may also include a database of all qualified players (i.e., those players who have enrolled in a player rating or point accruing program). Generally, the database for the player tracking system is separate from the gaming devices. 
     The gaming machine  10  includes a card reader  26  that may be used to read player tracking cards. Additionally, the card reader  26  may also read casino employee cards. Each time a card is inserted into the reader, it monitors and tracks player and employee activity. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of a gaming machine  10  configured to provide animation sequences on the gaming machine  10 . The gaming machine  10  includes stepper motors  30 , wherein one stepper motor is connected to one reel  20 . As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the gaming device  10  may include additional stepper motors  30 . Alternatively, in another embodiment, the gaming machine  10  may have fewer stepper motors  30  than reels  20 . The gaming device  10  also includes a reel control unit (RCU)  28  and a game controller  32 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the reels  20  are operatively coupled to stepper motors  30 . The stepper motors  30  are responsible for spinning and stopping the reels  20 . Once the reels  20  stop, multiple symbols  22  are visible. Each reel spin is comprised of a specific number of motor steps having a fixed time duration that operates the motor to achieve a fixed angle of rotation. During acceleration of the reels  20 , the motor steps generally progress from a long duration to a short duration. When the reels  20  are traveling at their final velocity, all the motor steps are of the same duration. During deceleration, the motor steps generally progress from a short duration to a long duration until the motor comes to a stop. 
     The stepper motors  30  of the gaming machine  10  are controlled and monitored by the RCU  28 . More specifically, the RCU  28  is responsible for determining the spin profile for each reel  20 . In order to determine the appropriate spin profile, the RCU  28  calculates the distance between the current and final position of each reel. Based upon the spin distance and the desired spin duration of each reel, the RCU  28  then determines a spin profile for each reel  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the RCU  28  is in communication with the game controller  32 . The game controller  32  is a combination of hardware and software components that supports the game for a gaming machine or a group of gaming machines  10 . The game controller  32  is configured to support the game and may be responsible for the various functions of the gaming machine, such as, but not limited to, monitoring coin-in, coin-out, or credit meters, and awarding any prize(s) based upon the game result. The game controller  32  also generates the game outcome (i.e., the final stopping position for each reel) and is responsible for determining the desired spin duration for each reel  20 . As those skilled in the art will appreciate, any of these functions may be separated into different or logical units and do not have to exist in a single controller unit. The RCU  28  is also responsible for timing the illumination of the symbols with the reel position. 
     In one embodiment, the game controller  32  includes a random number generator  34  that determines a game outcome, wherein the game outcome is a combination of indicia. In alternate embodiments, the game controller  32  may use a pseudo-random number generator or a weighted random number generator to determine the game outcome. In yet another embodiment, the random number generator  34  (or pseudo-random number generator or weighted random number generator) is a separate component in communication with the game controller  32 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the RCU  28  and the game controller  32  are separate components located within the gaming machine  10 . As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the RCU  28  may be interconnected to the game controller  32  by a USB connection, a wireless network connection, or any other means for operatively coupling components together. In an alternate embodiment, the RCU  28  and the game controller  32  are integral components (not shown). In yet another embodiment, the RCU  28  and the game controller  32  may be located within the gaming machine  10 , but the functions of the RCU or the game controller may be carried out at a central location (not shown), such as a network server, and communicated to each gaming machine by a local area network, wireless network, wide-area network, or the like. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3  a reel  20  is shown. The reel  20  includes a basket  40  which is a support structure. A reel strip  42  having multiple symbols  22  thereon may be applied or mounted around the circumferential surface of the basket  40 . A light system  44  is located within the basket  40 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment the light system  44  comprises three light sources  46   a ,  46   b  and  46   c . Those skilled in the art will appreciate the light system  44  may include white light, color light, black light, and any combination thereof. In an alternate embodiment, the light system  44  includes only one light source  46 . Optionally, in another embodiment, the lighting system may include any number of light sources  46 . The reel  20  also includes a bracket  48  for mounting the reel within the gaming machine  10 . 
     Examples of light sources  46  used in the light system  44  may include, but are not limited to, incandescent light bulbs, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), neon lighting, lasers, and any other known light sources. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the light system  44  includes one light source  46  (not shown). The single light  44  is mounted on a pivotable mechanism that enables the lighting system to rotate and move as needed in order to properly illuminate symbols on the reels strip  42 . 
     In one embodiment, the reels strip  42  contains twenty-one symbols. In another embodiment, the reel strip contains twenty-one symbols for game play and an additional number of symbols in “invisible” ink. The symbols printed in invisible ink are intended for use in the animation sequences. Ultraviolet light (also called black light) is then used to illuminate the symbol printed in invisible ink and make the symbol at least temporarily visible. 
     In one example embodiment, during operation of the gaming machine  10 , the player places a bet by entering a bet amount or wager amount. The gaming machine generates at least one random event, and an award is provided to the player if a winning outcome occurs as a result of the random event. In the slot machine  10 , the reels are rotated and stopped to place the symbols on the reels in visual association with a payline. While the reels are rotating, or spinning, an animation effect is presented to the player. In one embodiment, the animation is presented on one particular reel  120 . For example, referring to  FIG. 5 , in one example embodiment the animated sequence is presented on a reel  120   a . As the reel  120   a  spins, a first symbol  122   a  located on reel  120   a  is briefly illuminated. The brief illumination of the first symbol  122   a  creates a stopped motion effect. Next, a second symbol  122   b , located on the reel  120   a  is briefly illuminated. The symbol  122   b  is slightly different from symbol  122   a . More particularly, symbol  122   b  has larger flames than symbol  122   a . While reel  122   a  is still spinning, a third symbol  122   c  is then briefly illuminated. Symbol  122   c  differs slightly from figures  122   a  and  122   b  in that symbol  122   c  appears to have larger flames than either  122   a  or  122   b . The culmination of briefly illuminating each of symbols  122   a ,  122   b  and  122   c  on spinning reel  120   a  creates an animation effect. In other words, the effect of illuminating the symbols  122   a ,  122   b  and  122   c  in the manner described above is to make the fire in the symbols appear to grow. 
     In another embodiment, the animation sequence may be presented on one reel, but on multiple positions on the reel. Referring now to  FIG. 6 , various illustrations of the display window  12  are shown. During operation of the game machine, at least one of the reels  120  are rotated. In the example embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , as reel  120   a  is rotated, a first symbol  122   a  is briefly illuminated while the symbol is positioned in the top display position  131 . In the next step of the animation sequence, a second symbol  122   b  on reel  120   a  is briefly illuminated while reel  120   a  spins. Symbol  122   b  is illuminated when the symbol is positioned in the middle display position  132 . In a third step of the animation sequence, a symbol  122   c  on reel  120   a  is briefly illuminated as the reel  120  spins. Symbol  122   c  is illuminated when the symbol is positioned in the bottom display position  133 . In this example, the animation sequence produces the effect of a symbol having a fire that grows, in addition to the animation move positions on the screen (i.e., the animations goes from the top to the middle to the bottom). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the animation sequence may include additional symbols. 
     In another example embodiment, the animation sequence is displayed on more than one reel. Referring now to  FIG. 7 , various illustrations of the display window  12  of a gaming machine  10  are shown. During operation of the game, a first symbol  122   a  on reel  120   a  is briefly illuminated while reel  120  is spinning. In the next step of the animation sequence, a symbol  122   b  on the reel  120   b  is illuminated while the reel  120   b  is spinning. In a third step of the animation sequence, a symbol  122   c  on the reel  120   c  is briefly illuminated while the reel  120   c  is spinning. In  FIG. 6 , the symbols  122   a ,  122   b  and  122   c  are illuminated at different positions on the reel. More particularly, symbol  122   a  is illuminated when it is positioned in the top display position  131 . Symbol  122   b  is illuminated when it is positioned in the middle display position  132 . Symbol  122   c  is illuminated when it is positioned in the bottom display position. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the animation sequence may occur on more than one reel as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , but the illumination of the symbols may occur at the same position (not shown). 
     In another example embodiment, the animation sequence includes the presentation of multiple icons on multiple reels. Referring back to  FIG. 7 , various illustrations of the display window  12  of a gaming machine  10  are shown. During operation of the gaming machine, reels  120   a ,  120   b  and  120   c  are spinning. In the first step of the animation sequence, a symbol  122   a  on spinning reel  120   a  is briefly illuminated and a symbol  123   a  on spinning reel  120   c  is briefly illuminated. In the next step of the animation sequence, a symbol  122   b  on spinning reel  120   a  is briefly illuminated, and a symbol  123   b  on spinning reel  120   c  is briefly illuminated. In the next step, a symbol  122   c  on spinning reel  120   a  is briefly illuminated, and a symbol  123   c  on spinning reel  120   c  is briefly illuminated. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the animation sequence includes presenting an animation on each of the reels (not shown). Alternately, in another embodiment, the animation sequence includes displaying an animation on each of the three positions on the reel (e.g., the top, middle and bottom display positions). Those skilled in the art will appreciate any number of steps may be included in the animation sequence, as well as any combination of symbols and positions on the display window  12 . 
     In an optional embodiment, a casino gaming system provides animation to multiple gaming machines. More particularly, the back-end server may serve as the control for determining when to trigger the display of animation on one or more gaming machines  10 . In one example embodiment, the casino gaming system employs a player tracking system. The player tracking system allows a casino to monitor the gaming activities of various players. Additionally, the player tracking system is able to store data relating to a player&#39;s gaming habits. That is, a player can accrue player points that depend upon the amount and frequency of their wagers. Casinos can use these player points to compensate the loyal patronage of players. For example, casinos may award or “comp” a player free meals, room accommodations, tickets to shows, and invitations to casino events and promotional affairs. 
     Typically, the player tracking system is operatively connected to one or more input components on the gaming machine  10 . These input components include, but are not limited to, a card reader for receiving a player tracking card, a keypad or equivalent, an electronic button receptor, a touch screen and the like. The player tracking system may also include a database of all qualified players (i.e., those players who have enrolled in a player rating or point accruing program). Generally, the database for the player tracking system is separate from the gaming devices. 
     As noted above, each gaming machine  10  includes a card reader  26  that may be used to read player tracking cards. In one embodiment, the card reader  26  receives player information, and the received information affects the animation. For example, the system may be configured to trigger animation only for players who have a player tracking card. If a player does not insert a player tracking card into the card reader  26 , then no animation will be presented to the player. Optionally, in an alternate example, the animation may be presented to players only on special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries. This information would be obtained from the player tracking card. Further, player activity could be criteria for triggering the animation. In one example, the animation may be presented only for high rollers. Again, this information would be obtained from the player history. 
     Optionally, in alternate embodiments, other actions for triggering animation may include, but are not limited to, a particular number of consecutive wins, a maximum number of bets, time of play, frequency of play (i.e., number of games played in a particular period of time), number of player points earned, a particular time (of day, month, or year), the detection of a particular player, and the like. Additionally, more than one of the above-described actions may be designated as a trigger. Alternately, any combination of the above-described action may be designated as a trigger. 
     In an optional embodiment, multiple gaming machines are configured to present animation on the display window  12  during the spinning of the reels  20  at the same time. The animation could be synchronized across a bank of gaming machines  10  so that the animated symbol appears to move across the gaming machines  10 . 
     One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that not all gaming machines  10  will have all these components and may have other components in addition to, or in lieu of, those components mentioned here. Furthermore, while these components are viewed and described separately, various components may be integrated into a single unit in some embodiments. 
     The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.