Realistic video reels

• US 8,357,033 B2
• Filed: 09/20/2007
• Issued: 01/22/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 11/13/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Original Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Inventors: Williams, David C., Hedrick, Joseph R., Larsen, Kurt
• Primary Examiner(s): Suhol, Dmitry
• Assistant Examiner(s): Rustemeyer, Malina K
• Application Number:
  US11/858,695
• Publication Number:
  US 20080113746A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,951 Days
• Field of Search: 463/20
• US Class Current: 463/20
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/66 for rendering three dimensional images
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3209 Input means, e.g. buttons, touch screen
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3211 Display means
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3216 Construction aspects of a gaming system, e.g. housing, seats, ergonomic aspects
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/323 wherein the player is informed, e.g. advertisements, odds, instructions

Abstract

Described herein is a gaming machine configured to output video data that simulates mechanical reels in a traditional mechanical slot machine. Embodiments detailed herein contribute to the emulation and perception of a mechanical machine by providing video data adaptations that each simulate a realistic visual attribute of a mechanical reel gaming machine.

Claims

1. A gaming machine comprising:

a cabinet defining an interior region of the gaming machine, the cabinet adapted to house a plurality of gaming machine components within or about the interior region;

a first video display device, disposed within or about the interior region, configured to output a visual image in response to a control signal and including one or more controllably transparent portions;

a second video display device, arranged relative to the first video display device such that a video reel portion of the second video display device is visible through a portion of the first video display device; and

at least one processor configured to execute instructions, from memory, that

a) display video data for multiple video reels on the second video display device, wherein the video data for each of the multiple video reels depicts a reel strip with multiple reel game symbols,

b) permit game play of a reel game of chance that uses the multiple video reels displayed by the second video display device, and

c) display video data, on the second video display device, that includes a first video data adaptation to the video data for the multiple video reels, wherein the first video data adaptation provides, in two dimensions, a simulated three dimensional visual effect associated with viewing a mechanical reel in a gaming machine, wherein the first video data adaptation includes virtual 3D graphics data causing the video displayed on the second video display to appear at least partially three dimensional and wherein the first video data adaptation includes perspective video data that outwardly bows and provides curvature at a central portion of both lateral sides of a video reel strip or a video reel displayed on a substantially planar surface, resulting in the video reel strip or the video reel having a central portion that is wider than a top portion and a bottom portion of the video reel strip or the video reel.

2. The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein a lateral width for the video reel strip at a top portion of the video reel strip is no greater than 5 percent less than a lateral width of the video reel at a central portion of the video reel.

3. The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein the first video data adaptation simulates back-lighting of a video reel.

4. The gaming machine of claim 3 wherein the back-lighting increases luminance for a central portion of the video reel.

5. The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein a visual image on the first video display device includes a set of non-transparent video bars that separate transparent video windows, where each transparent video window is configured on the first video display device such that at least one of the multiple video reels on the second video display device is visible through the non-transparent video window.

6. The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein the first video data adaptation includes a distortion simulating spatial foreshortening.

7. The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute instructions, from memory, that

display video data, on the first video display device, that includes a second video data adaptation simulating a visual imperfection associated with viewing a real glass plate on a gaming machine.

8. The gaming machine of claim 7 wherein the visual imperfection includes a simulated frayed or discolored sticker.

9. The gaming machine of claim 7 wherein the visual imperfection includes one or more simulated glare lines.

10. The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein the at least one processor is further configured to execute instructions, from memory, that provide a trapezoidal shape to a reel game symbol depending on the position of the reel game symbol on the video reel strip or video reel so as to enhance a perceived sensation of curvature of the video reel strip or video reel.

11. The gaming machine of claim 10 wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute instructions, from memory, that change the shape of the reel game symbol in real time.

12. The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein the at least one processor is further configured to execute instructions, from memory, that cause a reel game symbol to fade in and fade out.

13. The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute instructions, from memory, that cause an image to move between the first video display device and the second video display device.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein a lateral width for the video reel strip at a top portion of the video reel strip is no greater than 5 percent less than a lateral width of the video reel at a central portion of the video reel.

14. A method of providing a game of chance on a gaming machine, the method comprising:

displaying the game of chance using a first video display device and a second video display device included in the gaming machine,

wherein the second video display device is arranged relative to the first video display device such that a video reel portion of the second video display device is visible through a portion of the first video display device,

and wherein the game of chance includes multiple video reels displayed on the second video display device and each video reel includes multiple video symbols on a video reel strip;

during the game, simulating the movement of symbols on each video reel in the multiple video reels on the second video display device; and

for one or more of the video reels in the multiple video reels, displaying a first video data adaptation to video data for one or more of the multiple video reels, wherein the first video data adaptation provides, in two dimensions, a simulated three dimensional visual effect associated with viewing a mechanical reel in a gaming machine, wherein the first video data adaptation includes virtual 3D graphics data causing the video displayed on the second video display to appear at least partially three dimensional and wherein the first video data adaptation includes perspective video data that outwardly bows and provides curvature at a central portion of both lateral sides of a video reel strip or a video reel displayed on a substantially planar surface, resulting in the video reel strip or the video reel having a central portion that is wider than a top portion and a bottom portion of the video reel strip or the video reel.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the first video data adaptation simulates back-lighting of a video reel.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the back-lighting increases luminance for a central portion of the video reel.

18. The method of claim 14 wherein the first video data adaptation simulates fore-lighting of a video reel.

19. The method of claim 16 wherein the back-lighting decreases luminance for a central portion of the video reel.

20. The method of claim 14 wherein a visual image on the first video display device includes a set of non-transparent video bars that separate transparent video windows, where each transparent video window is configured on the each first video display device such that a line of sight passes through the video window and intersects at least one of the multiple video reels on the second video display device.

21. The gaming machine of claim 14 wherein the first video data adaptation includes a distortion simulating spatial foreshortening.

22. The gaming machine of claim 14 wherein the method further includes:

displaying video data, on the first video display device, that includes a second video data adaptation simulating a visual imperfection associated with viewing a real glass plate on a gaming machine.

23. The gaming machine of claim 22 wherein the visual imperfection includes a simulated frayed or discolored sticker.

24. Logic encoded in one or more tangible media for execution and, when executed, operable to provide a game of chance on a gaming machine, the logic including:

instructions for displaying the game of chance using a first video display device and a second video display device included in the gaming machine,

wherein the second video display device is arranged relative to the first video display device such that a video reel portion of the second video display device is visible through a portion of the first video display device,

and wherein the game of chance includes multiple video reels displayed on the second video display device and each video reel includes multiple video symbols on a video reel strip;

instructions for simulating the movement of symbols on each video reel in the multiple video reels on the second video display device; and

instructions for displaying a video data adaptation to video data for one or more of the multiple video reels, wherein the video data adaptation provides, in two dimensions, a simulated three dimensional visual effect associated with viewing a mechanical reel in a gaming machine, wherein the video data adaptation includes virtual 3D graphics data causing the video displayed on the second video display to appear at least partially three dimensional and wherein the video data adaptation includes perspective video data that outwardly bows and provides curvature at a central portion of both lateral sides of a video reel strip or a video reel displayed on a substantially planar surface, resulting in the video reel strip or the video reel having a central portion that is wider than a top portion and a bottom portion of the video reel strip or the video reel.

25. A gaming machine comprising:

means for displaying the game of chance using a first video display device and a second video display device included in the gaming machine,

wherein the second video display device is arranged relative to the first video display device such that a video reel portion of the second video display device is visible through a portion of the first video display device,

and wherein the game of chance includes multiple video reels displayed on the second video display device and each video reel includes multiple video symbols on a video reel strip;

means for simulating the movement of symbols on each video reel in the multiple video reels on the second video display device; and

means for displaying a video data adaptation to video data for one or more of the multiple video reels, wherein the video data adaptation provides, in two dimensions, a simulated three dimensional visual effect associated with viewing a mechanical reel in a gaming machine,

wherein the video data adaptation includes virtual 3D graphics data causing the video displayed on the second video display to appear at least partially three dimensional and wherein the video data adaptation includes perspective video data that outwardly bows and provides curvature at a central portion of both lateral sides of a video reel strip or a video reel displayed on a substantially planar surface, resulting in the video reel strip or the video reel having a central portion that is wider than a top portion and a bottom portion of the video reel strip or the video reel.