Patent ID: 8092304

Claim:
A gaming machine operable for playing a reel-based game, said gaming machine comprising: at least one projection surface for displaying images associated with said reel-based game, said projection surface extending across substantially all of a cylindrical surface defined by a circumference and width of a reel on said gaming machine; and a projection system configured to project said images on said at least one projection surface when said gaming machine is operable for playing said reel-based game, wherein said projection system is further configured to project said images on said at least one projection surface in a manner that simulates rotation of at least one mechanical reel, wherein said at least one projection surface is configured to rotate and wherein said projection system is configured to project said images onto said at least one projection surface as said at least one projection surface rotates, wherein said projection system comprises one or more projection engines and one or more lenses, wherein at least one lens is configured with a variable radius, and wherein said projection system is configured to optically project said images on said projection surface which are visible from a first point of view without requiring that said projection system be visible from said first point of view.