DISPLAYING AND USING 3D GRAPHICS ON MULTIPLE DISPLAYS PROVIDED FOR GAMING ENVIRONMENTS

• US 20080303746A1
• Filed: 06/07/2007
• Published: 12/11/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/07/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Original Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Inventors: Schlottmann, Greg A., Gipp, David A.
• Granted Patent: US 8,384,710 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/1.2
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/577 for watching a game played by other players
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 15/00 3D [Three Dimensional] image rendering
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements

Abstract

3D images (or graphics) are effectively displayed across multiple displays provided in a gaming environment based on a 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world). A game scene for a game played on a gaming machine is effectively displayed as a larger 3D scene across multiple displays configured for multiple gaming machines when a gaming criteria, event or condition is met (e.g., when a slot game generates a particular outcome on a gaming machine, a 3D scene is displayed on multiple gaming machines). 3D images (or objects) effectively displayed across multiple displays configured for multiple gaming machines can effect and/or complement the game being played on one or more of the gaming machines and/or used as an independent game. Animation (or movement) of one or more 3D objects can be used to trigger a gaming criteria, event or condition (e.g., start a bonus period for a game being played in a gaming machine). The gaming criteria, event or condition can be triggered solely based on the animation (or movement) of the 3D object(s) or in a combination with another condition.

Claims

1. A computing system for displaying three-dimensional (3D) images on multiple displays effectively provided by or for one or more gaming machines in a gaming environment, wherein said computing system is configured and/or operable to:

determine, identify and/or receive first 3D data for displaying (or rendering) a first 3D scene on at least a first display associated with a first gaming machine in said gaming environment, wherein said first 3D scene is based on a 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world) and can be used to effectively display (or render) said first 3D scene in accordance with said 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world) on said first display; and

determine, identify and/or receive second 3D data for displaying (or rendering) a second 3D scene on at least a second display associated with a second gaming machine is said gaming environment, wherein said second 3D scene is also based on said 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world) and can be used to effectively display (or render) said second 3D scene in accordance with said 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world) on said first display, thereby allowing said 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world) to be displayed across multiple displays.

2. A computing system as recited in claim 1, wherein said computing system is further capable of:

sending said first and second 3D data respectively to said first and second gaming machines, thereby allowing said first and second gaming machines to use said first and second 3D data respectively to cause or configure said first and second displays to display said first and second 3D scenes respectively.

3. A computing system as recited in claim 2, wherein said first and/or second gaming machines process said first and/or second 3D data to determine actual data used to display said first and/or second 3D scenes on their respectively displays.

4. A computing system as recited in claim 1, wherein said first and second 3D scenes respectively represent first and second views, parts and/or portions of a main (or larger) 3D scene that effectively includes said first and second 3D scenes, thereby effectively displaying said main 3D scene across said first and second 3D displays.

5. A computing system as recited in claim 1, wherein said computing system effectively acts as a host or sever to said first and/or second gaming machines.

6. A computing system as recited in claim 1, wherein said computing system is gaming machine and/or has the capability to independently determine the outcome of a game in accordance with a set of gaming regulations and/or requirements.

7. A computing system as recited in claim 6, wherein said gaming regulations and/or requirements include a requirement that displaying of said first and second 3D scenes do not interfere with the gaming operations of said first and second gaming machines.

8. A computing system as recited in claim 7, wherein said computing system effectively synchronizes display of said first and second 3D scenes in order to meet said requirement.

9. A computing system for displaying three-dimensional (3D) images on a plurality of displays in a gaming environment that includes one or more gaming machines that are operable for playing one or more games, wherein said computing system is operable to:

determine, receive and/or identify first 3D data for displaying (or rendering) a first 3D scene based on a 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world), wherein said first 3D data can be used to effectively display (or render) said first 3D scene in accordance with said 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world), and wherein said 3D imaging model can be used to generate second 3D data for displaying a second 3D scene in accordance with said 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world); and

cause and/or configure a first display effectively provided by or for a gaming machine in said gaming environment to display said first 3D scene based on said first 3D data when said gaming machine is operable to play one or more games, thereby displaying said first 3D scene in said gaming environment when said gaming machine is operable for playing said one or more games.

10. A computing system as recited in claim 9, wherein said first 3D scene is a game scene provided for playing said one or more games on one or more games.

11. A computing system as recited in claim 9, wherein said first 3D scene is provided for one or more of the following:

a game and/or a gaming operation;

attraction for one or more games and/or attraction to said gaming environment environment;

background for a game and/or gaming environment;

advertising; and

news.

12. A computing system as recited in claim 9, wherein said computing system is a gaming machine in said gaming environment.

13. A gaming machine configured and/or operable to independently determine a game outcome associated with a game played in a gaming environment, wherein at least one display can be effectively provided by or for said gaming machine when said gaming machine is operable for playing said game in said gaming environment, wherein said gaming machine is further operable to configure and/or cause display of a first three-dimensional (3D) scene (or image) based on first 3D data, wherein said first 3D scene is based on a 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world) and said first 3D data can be used to effectively display (or render) said first 3D scene in accordance with said 3D imaging model on said first display when said gaming machine is operable for playing said game in said gaming environment.

14. A gaming machine as recited in claim 13, wherein said gaming environment includes a second gaming machine that is operable to configure or cause display of a second 3D scene based on second 3D data, wherein second 3D scene is also based on said 3D imaging model and said second 3D data can be used to effectively display said second 3D scene in accordance with said 3D imaging model on said second display when said second gaming machine is operable for playing said game and/or another game in said gaming environment.

15. A method for displaying three-dimensional (3D) images (or graphics) for a collection or configuration of displays effectively provided by or for one or more gaming machines (or units) in a gaming environment, wherein at least one of said gaming machines is independently capable of determining a game outcome for a game that can be played on said first gaming machine in said gaming environment, wherein said method comprises:

providing and/or configuring at least first and second displays for or by one or more gaming machines (or units) in said gaming environment when said one or more gaming machines are operable for playing one or more games in said gaming environment; and

displaying first and second 3D scenes respectively on said first and second displays of said plurality of displays based on first and second 3D data when said one or more gaming machines are operable to play said one or more games, wherein said first and second 3D scenes are based on a 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world), and said first and second 3D data can be used to effectively display (or render) said first and second scenes in accordance with said 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world).

16. A method as recited in claim 15, wherein said first and second 3D scenes respectively represent first and second views, parts and/or portions of a main (or larger) 3D scene which is based on said 3D imaging model.

17. A method as recited in claim 16, wherein said first 3D data comprises one or more of the following:

base 3D data effectively representing said main 3D scene; and

display-specific 3D data which can be used in combination with said base 3D data to effectively display a specific view, part and/or portion of said main 3D scene.

18. A method as recited in claim 17, wherein said display-specific 3D data includes one or more of the following:

a camera angle for displaying (or rendering) a specific view, part and/or portion of said main 3D scene based on said base 3D data;

a camera position for displaying (or rendering) a specific view, part and/or portion of said main 3D scene based on said base 3D data; and

animation data for animating (or moving) one or more 3D objects which have been modeled based on said 3D imaging model.

19. A method as recited in claim 18, wherein said animation data includes 3D positional data associated with said one or more 3D objects and/or animation of said one or more 3D objects based on said 3D imaging model.

20. A method as recited in claim 19, wherein said 3D positional data includes 3D scaling and/or orientation data associated with said one or more 3D objects and/or movement of said one or more 3D objects based on said 3D imaging model.

21. A method as recited in claim 20, wherein said 3D positional data includes one or more vectors.

22. A method as recited in 15, wherein said first and second 3D scenes respectively represent front and back views, portions and/or parts of said main 3D scene.

23. A method for allowing a game to be played in gaming environment in connection with a plurality of 3D scenes (or images) respectively displayed on a plurality of displays associated with one or more gaming machines (or units) that are operable in said gaming environment for playing said game, said method comprising:

determining whether to display a plurality of 3D scenes respectively on a plurality of displays associated with said one or more gaming machines when said one or more gaming machines are operable in said gaming environment for playing said game; and

displaying said plurality of 3D scenes respectively on said plurality of displays associated with said one or more gaming machines based on 3D data associated with a 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world) when said one or more gaming machines are operable for playing said game and said determining determines to display said plurality of 3D scenes respectively on said plurality of displays, thereby allowing said game to be played in connection with multiple 3D scenes displayed on multiple displays.

24. A method as recited in claim 23, wherein said display of said plurality of 3D scenes comprises:

determining or receiving one or more 3D scenes that are based on said 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world);

determining or receiving a 3D data set for displaying said one or more 3D scenes in accordance with said 3D imaging model, wherein said 3D data set includes a plurality of individual 3D data components that each effectively identifies or indicates at least a view, part and/or portion of said one or more 3D scenes for displaying; and

displaying on each of said plurality of displays, based on said individual 3D data at least, a view, part and/or portion of said one or more 3D scenes.

25. A method as recited in claim 23, wherein said determining of whether to display a 3D image effectively across said plurality of displays is made when said game is being played on said first gaming machine.

26. A method as recited in claim 23, wherein said determining of whether to display a 3D image effectively across said plurality of displays is based on a gaming criteria associated with game play on said first gaming machine when said game is being played on said first gaming machine.

27. A method as recited in claim 26, wherein said gaming criteria includes a bonus criteria for allowing bonus play for said game.

28. A method as recited in claim 26, wherein said gaming criteria is made based on a 3D object that is effectively animated (or moved) based on said 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world).

29. A method for displaying one or more 3D scenes effectively across a plurality of displays associated with one or gaming machines in a gaming environment, said method comprising:

determining, receiving and/or identifying a 3D data set for displaying one or more 3D scenes in accordance with a 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world), wherein said 3D data set includes a plurality of individual 3D data that each can be used to display at least a view, portion and/or part of said one or more 3D scenes; and

displaying on each of said plurality of displays, based on said individual 3D data, at least a view, part and/or portion of said one or more 3D scenes, thereby effectively displaying said one or more scenes across said plurality of displays.

30. A method as recited in claim 29, wherein said method further comprises:

determining or receiving said one or more 3D scenes, wherein said one or more 3D scenes are based on a 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world).

31. A computer readable medium including computer program code for displaying three-dimensional (3D) images on a plurality of displays in a gaming environment that includes one or more gaming machines that are operable for playing one or more games, wherein said readable medium comprises:

computer program code for determining, receiving and/or identifying first 3D data for displaying (or rendering) a first 3D scene based on a 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world), wherein said first 3D data can be used to effectively display (or render) said first 3D scene in accordance with said 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world), and wherein said 3D imaging model can be used to generate second 3D data for displaying a second 3D scene in accordance with said 3D imaging (or graphics) model (or world); and

computer program code for causing and/or configuring a first display effectively provided by or for a gaming machine (or unit) in said gaming environment to display said first 3D scene based on said first 3D data when said gaming machine is operable to play one or more games, thereby displaying said first 3D scene in said gaming environment when said gaming machine is operable for playing said one or more games.

32. A method for displaying three-dimensional (3D) images (or graphics) on a collection or configuration of displays effectively provided by or for one or more gaming machines in a gaming environment, wherein said method comprises:

receiving, identifying and/or determining base 3D data representing a 3D scene to be displayed across a collection or a configuration of displays effectively provided by or for a plurality of gaming machines;

receiving, identifying and/or determining first-criteria data effectively defining one or more criteria of a first gaming machine of said plurality of gaming machines;

determining, based on said first criteria data and base 3D data, first gaming-machine specific 3D data for displaying at least a portion of said 3D scene in accordance with said one or more criteria on one or more first displays provided by or for said first gaming machine; and

causing displays of said at least one portion of said 3D image on said one or more first displays in accordance with said first gaming-machine specific 3D data, thereby effectively displaying said 3D scene for said first gaming machine in accordance with said one or more properties of said gaming machine.

33. A method as recited in claim 32, wherein said determining of said gaming-machine specific 3D data comprises:

determining, based on one or more base 3D objects of said 3D base scene, one or more first gaming-machine specific 3D objects to be displayed on said one or more first displays.

34. A method as recited in claim 33, wherein said determining of said gaming-machine specific 3D data further comprises:

determining, receiving and/or identifying one or more base 3D objects of said 3D scene to be displayed on said first one or more displays of said first gaming machine;

changing and/or adjusting said one or more base 3D objects, based on said first criteria, into said first one or more gaming-machine specific 3D objects for display on said first one or more displays.

35. A method as recited in claim 32, wherein said one or more criteria effectively defined by said first criteria data include:

one or more gaming criteria pertaining to game play on said first gaming machine.

36. A method as recited in claim 35, wherein said one or more gaming criteria can represent one or more of the following:

a bouncing event, a win condition, amount of a current bet, amount bet in a period of time, total amount bet for a number of game instances, type of game played, individual person or player playing.

37. A method as recited in claim 35, wherein said first one or more gaming-machine specific 3D objects effectively indicate a gaming situation and/or convey a gaming information pertaining to a game that can be played on said first gaming machine.

38. A computer readable medium including computer program code for displaying three-dimensional (3D) images (or graphics) on a collection or configuration of displays effectively provided by or for one or more gaming machines in a gaming environment, wherein said computer readable medium comprises:

computer program code for receiving, identifying and/or determining base 3D data representing a 3D scene to be displayed across a collection or a configuration of displays effectively provided by or for a plurality of gaming machines;

computer program code for receiving, identifying and/or determining first-criteria data effectively defining one or more criteria of a first gaming machine of said plurality of gaming machines;

computer program code for determining, based on said first criteria data and base 3D data, first gaming-machine specific 3D data for displaying at least a portion of said 3D scene in accordance with said one or more criteria on one or more first displays provided by or for said first gaming machine; and

computer program code for causing displays of said at least one portion of said 3D image on said one or more first displays in accordance with said first gaming-machine specific 3D data, thereby effectively displaying said 3D scene for said first gaming machine in accordance with said one or more properties of said gaming machine.