Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
l
GAMING MACHINES PROVIDING BONUS GAMES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
15 This invention relates to gaming machines such as slot machines. More
particularly, the present invention relates to gaming machines having a main
display for
presenting primary game play and outcome information and a secondary display,
which
is a video display, for displayipg secondary information.
Gaming machines such as slot machines and video poker machines are
20 becoming increasingly popular. Part of the reason for their increased
popularity is the
nearly endless variety of games that can be implemented on the gaming machine.
Recently, "secondary game events" have been provided as a variation on some
gaming
machines. As used herein, "primary game information" includes, for example,
information about numerous stages of game play such as ( 1 ) a "currency in"
stage in
25 which the machine awaits a coin or bill insertion to initiate a play, (2) a
"game play"
stage in which the player has initiated a play (e.g., spinning reels on a slot
machine),
and (3) a "game result" stage in which a payout or no-payout event is
registered. Other
primary events include general gaming machine state changes such as
malfunction
(e.g., a tilt). As used herein "secondary game information" includes
information about
30 slot tournaments, progressive games, bonusing schemes, and other incentives
for
maintaining a player's interest or to play in a particular manner. In one
example, a
progressive game allows jackpots to be pooled over multiple slot machines. At
some
CA 02238678 2003-04-17
_7-
location, the sum of the pooled jackpot (secondary in3-orniation) is displayed
to players
and potential players.
Each of the primary game events results in displayed information,
conventionally
presented to the gaming machine user via a main display (e.g., the reels
display in a slot
machine or the CRT in a video poker game). Some primary game information may
also
be displayed via light source regions that light up on the gaming machine
glass when a
particular primary game event occurs. The secondary information may also be
displayed
via such lighted regions on the gaming machine glass. Unfortunately, the
potential of
secondary games has been largely unrealized because the display vehicle for
secondary
game events (lights or souniis emanating from the gaming machine) greatly
limits the
attraction and sophistication of such games. Sometimes, as in the case of
progressive
slot games, the secondary ini«rmation is presented in a large specially
created. display
occupying significant space in a central location of the casino.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional reel-type slot machine 10. It
includes a slot machine exterior housing 1 '? and a (rant face including a top
glass 14, a
main display 1 fi, and a belly glass 18. Main display 16 includes windows 38,
40, and 42
each of which display a single spinning reel of the slot machine. Horizontal
pay lines 44
span the windows and allow for multiple winning combinations. Top glass 14 and
belly
glass 18 typically contain printed information conveying various thematic c7r
instructive
details about gaming machine l0. Glasses 14 and 18 are also typically backlit
so that
information primed on them is readily visible to gaming machine players. In
addition,
separate light region 15a within main display 16 presents primary game
information
such as coin insert events (e.g., an 8-segment I.,ED meter will increase its
count in region
15a in response to a player inserting a coin or a bill into bill acceptor 24).
Utility meters
or lighted displays 46a and 46b could also be used for limited display of
secondary game
information. Player buttons 20 are provided between belly glass 18 and main
display 16
and allow the player to control operation of gaming machine 10. A coin
acceptor 22 and
a bill acceptor 24 are provided near the play buttons as shown. Finally, a
coin tray 28 is
provided near the bottom of slot machine 10 to collect coin pay outs from
winning plays.
CA 02238678 2003-04-17
To the extent that secondary information can be provided in a gaming machine
such as slot machine 10, that information is limited to the utility meters 46a
and 46b or
other simple display mecharuisms such as back lit symbols or other
representations.
Wheels and other simple mechanical indicators have also been used previously
such as
the configuration that is the subject of a U.S. Patent No. 5,788,573 issued
August 4,
1998 to International Game Z"ethnology.
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
3
It should be understood that creating and applying the artwork on top glass 14
and belly glass 18 is a very resource intensive task. Workers silk screen the
artwork
onto the glass by a very carefully controlled process. The quality of the silk
screen
process must be very high to ensure that pin holes or other defects in the
painted areas
5 are not present. This is because the displays are backlit such that light
shines through
the glass. Any pin holes or other defects would be immediately apparent to the
gaming
machine player.
A given gaming machine may have its silk screened glasses replaced multiple
times during its life. This is because most gaming machines installed in a
casino are
10 regularly retrofitted to provide fresh appeal to potential gaming machine
players and to
maintain or increase a player's interest or desire to play a particular game.
This retrofit
t;~pically involves replacing the top glass 14, belly glass 18, reel strips
(on a spinning
reel slot machine), and new firmware to provide an update or new game for a
previously owned machine. Such retrofitting represents a significant expense
to the
15 casino. First, as explained, the new glass must be manufactured via the
expensive silk
screen process. Gaming machine companies must maintain graphic artists and
silk
screen artists on-site to generate new designs and the new glass. In fact,
companies
commonly find that one third of their graphic artists' time is devoted to
generating glass
for retrofitting. In addition, the company must devote service personnel to
install the
20 fresh glass. Finally, and most importantly, firmware engineers must design
new
firmware that runs on the machine corresponding to the new reel strips and
game
theme.
In view of the above observations, it would be desirable to provide a gaming
machine allowing the potential of secondary game events to be realized such
that the
25 machine can be easily modified with new games or features that can maintain
or
increase a player's interest or desire to play a particular game. In addition,
it would be
desirable to reduce the costliness and inconvenience of updating thematic
displays on
gaming machine glass. What is needed therefore is an improved apparatus and
method
for controlling the content of various necessary displays in a gaming machine
for both
30 primary and secondary game events, as well as other new applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides gaming machines and methods of using
gaming machines in which a gaming machine includes both a main or primary
35 display for displaying the outcome of a primary game and a secondary
display for
CA 02238678 2003-04-17
presenting primary, secondary, or even "tertiary information". Tertiary
information
as used herein refers to information that is not directly related to the play
of a primary
or secondary game. Tertiary information includes, for example, billboard
information, advertisements. television programming, and player attraction
animations. In some cases, the video display may service as a substitute for
displaying some or all of the information currently provided on the top glass
or belly
glass on a conventional slot machine. Regardless of where the video display is
located and how much space it occupies, it may introduce substantial
flexibility in
presenting primary and secondary information to actual and potential players.
Preferably, the secondary display is a video display. In the case of a slot
machine, the main display may be the glass window through which the spinning
reels
of a game play is viewed. In a video poker gaming machine, the main display is
usually a cathode ray tube (''C'R'h") which displays the cards dealt to the
player and
other information directly associated with the game play. To the extent that
the
present invention is deployed in video poker and related video games, the
secondary
display refers to a separate display disposed away from the main display.
In one aspect, the present invention provides a gaming machine comprising:
a chassis defining a gaming machine interior region and a gaming
machine exterior surface;
a gaming machine controller for controlling the outcome of a primary game
played on said gaming machine;
a main display capable of presenting the outcome of the primary game on the
gaming machine;
a secondary display. which is a flat panel display, provided on said gaming
machine at a location disposed apart from said main display and displaying
video
content including a secondary bonus game of chance play, wherein a single
wager
concurrently activates both the primary game and the secondary bonus game, and
wherein the outcome of the secondary game depends only on at least one of (i)
the
number of plays on the primary game and (ii) the outcome of those plays on the
primary game, without depending upon a race against a timer or against players
on
CA 02238678 2003-04-17
other gaming machines; and
a player tracking device mounted on said chassis, said player tracking device
comprising,
(a) a display, separate from said main display and said secondary display,
(b) one or more interfaces designed or configured to input player tracking
information into the gaming machine;
(c) a network interface designed or configured to send and to receive player
tracking information over a player tracking network;
(d) a logic device, se.pc-gate from the gaming machine controller, designed or
configured to send player tracking information to the gaming machine
controller,
wherein the gaming machine controller is designed or configured to cause
player tracking information and video content related to the player tracking
information to be displayed on at least one of the main display and the
secondary
display.
The present invention also provides a gaming machine comprising:
a chassis defining a gaming machine interior region and a gaming machine
exterior surface;
a gaming machine controller for controlling the outcome of a primary game
played on said gaming machine,
a main display capable of presenting the outcome of the primary game on the
gaming machine;
a secondary display, which is a flat panel display, provided on said gaming
machine at a location disposed apart from said main display and displaying
video
content capable of presenting a secondary game;
a player control mechanism on the chassis which, when actuated by a player,
concurrently activates both the primary game displayed on the main display and
the
secondary game displayed on the secondary display, and wherein the outcome of
the
secondary game depends only on at least one of (i) the number of plays on the
primary game and (ii) the outcome of those plays on the primary game, without
depending upon a race against a timer or against players on other gaming
machines;
CA 02238678 2003-04-17
Sa
and
a player tracking device mounted on said chassis, said player tracking device
comprising,
(a) a display, separate from said main display and said secondary display,
(b) one or more interfaces designed or configured to input player tracking
information into the gaming machine;
(c) a network interface designed or configured to send and to receive player
tracking information over a player tracking network;
(d) a logic device, separate from the gaming machine controller, designed or
configured to send player tracking information to the gaming machine
controller,
wherein the gaming machine controller is designed or configured to cause
player tracking information and video content related to the player tracking
information to be displayed on at Least one of the main display and the
secondary
display.
The present invention also provides gaming machine comprising:
a chassis defining a gaming machine interior region and a gaming; machine
exterior surface;
a gaming machine; controller for controlling the outcome of a primary game
played on said gaming machine;
a main display capable of presenting the outcome of the primary game on
the gaming machine;
a secondary display, which is a flat panel display, provided on said gaming
machine at a location disposed apart from said main display and displaying
video
content capable of presenting a secondary game;
a player control mechanism on the chassis which, when actuated by a player,
plays both the primary game displayed on the main display and the secondary
game
displayed on the secondary diaplay, and wherein the outcome of the secondary
game
depends only on at least one of (i) the number of plays on the primary game
and (ii)
the outcome of those plays on the primary game, without depending upon a race
against a timer or against players on other gaming machines; and
CA 02238678 2003-04-17
Sb
a player tracking device mounted on said chassis, said player tracking device
comprising,
(a) a display, separate from said main display and said secondary display,
(b) one or more interfaces designed or configured to input player tracking
information into the gaming machine;
(c) a network interface designed or configured to send and to receive player
tracking information over a player tracking network;
(d) a logic device, sc;parate From the gaming machine controller, designed or
configured to send player tracking information to the gaming machine
controller,
wherein the gaming machine controller is designed or configured to cause
player tracking information and video content related to the player tracking
information to be displayed on at least one of the main display and the
secondary
display.
The present invention also provides a gaming machine comprising:
a chassis defining a gaming machine interior region and a gaming machine
exterior surface;
a gaming machine controller for controlling the outcome of a primary game
played on said gaming machine:
a main display capable of presenting the outcome of the primary game on
the gaming machine;
a secondary display, which is a flat panel display, provided on said gaming
machine at a location disposed apart from said main display and displaying
video
content including a secondary bonus game of chance play; and
a player tracking device mounted on said chassis, said player tracking
device comprising,
(a) a display, separate from said main display and said secondary display,
(b) one or more interfaces designed clr configured to input player tracking
information into the gaming machine;
(c) a network interlace designed or configured to send and to receive player
tracking information over a ~~layer tracking network;
CA 02238678 2003-04-17
5c
(d) a logic device, separate from the gaming machine controller, designed or
configured to send player tracking information to the gaming machine
controller,
wherein the gaming machine controller is designed or configured to cause
player tracking information and video content related to the player tracking
information to be displayed on at least one of the main display and the
secondary
display.
The present invention also provides a gaming machine comprising:
a chassis defining a gaming machine interior region and a gaming machine
exterior surface;
a gaming machine controller for controlling the outcome of a primary game
played on said gaming machine;
a main display capable of presenting the outcome of the primary game on
the gaming machine;
a secondary display, which is a flat panel display, provided on said gaming
machine at a location disposed apart from said main display and displaying
video
content including a secondar~,~ bonus game of chance play; and
a player tracking device mounted on said chassis, said player tracking device
comprising,
(a) a display, separate from said main display and said secondary display and,
(b) one or more interfaces designed or configured to input player tracking
information into the gaming machine wherein the gaming machine controller is
designed or configured to ca~.~se player tracking information and video
content related
to the player tracking information to be displayed on at least one of the main
display
and the secondary display.
The present invention also provides a gaming machine comprising:
a chassis defining a gaming machine interior region and a gaming machine
exterior surface;
a gaming machine controller for controlling the outcome of a primary game
played on said gaming machine;
CA 02238678 2003-04-17
Sd
a main display capable of presenting the outcome of the primary game on the
gaming machine;
a player tracking device mounted on said chassis, said player tracking device
comprising,
(a) a display, separate from said main display,
(b) one or more interfaces designed or configured to input player tracking
information into the gaming machine;
(c) a network interface designed or configured to send and to receive player
tracking information over a player tracking network;
(d) a logic device, separate from the gaming machine controller, designed or
configured to send player tracking information to the gaming machine
controller,
wherein the gamin's, machine controller is designed or configured to cause
player tracking information and video content related to the player tracking
information to be displayed on the main display.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of displaying
video content on a gaming machine having (i) a main display capable of
presenting
the outcome of a primary game play on the gaming machine, (ii) a secondary
display,
which is a flat panel video display, provided on said gaming machine at a
location
disposed apart from said main display, and iii) a player tracking device
capable of
receiving player tracking information and sending said player tracking
information to
a gaming machine controller on the gaming machine the method comprising:
receiving a wager;
in response to a player initiating a play on the gaming machine, presenting
the
outcome of the play of the primary game on the main display of the gaming
machine;
displaying play of a secorn:lary bonus game of chance on the secondary
display,
wherein a single wager concurrently activates both the primary game and the
secondary bonus game, and wherein the outcome of the secondary game depends
only
on at least one of (i) the nunnber of plays on the primary game and (ii) the
outcome of
those plays on the primary game, without depending upon a race against a timer
or
CA 02238678 2003-04-17
Se
against players on other gaming machines;
receiving player tracking information input into the player tracking device
from at least ono of a player and a remote server; and
displaying a portion «f the player tracking information or video content
related
to the player tracking information to at least one of the main display and the
secondary display.
These and other features ofthe present invention will be presented in more
detail in the following detailed description of the invention and the
associated f gures.
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
6
BRIEr DESCRIPTION Oh' THhJ DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional slot machine.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a slot machine containing a video display in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
5 Figures 3a-3c are perspective, front and top views of a rectangular profile
slot
machine top bax in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
Figure 3d is a perspective view of the slot machine top box of Figures 3a-3c
having its top glass removed to expose the secondary display.
Figure 3e is a perspective view of the slot machine top box of Figures 3a-3c
10 showing the secondary display rotationally displaced about a hinged mount.
Figures 4a-4c arc perspective, front and top views of a rounded profile slot
machine top box in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
Figure 4d is a perspective view of the slot machine top box of Figures 4a-4c
having its top glass removed to expose the secondary display.
15 Figure 5 is a block diagram of a control system in a slot machine
containing a
video display in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a block diag>'am of a multislave unit for controlling video
content on
a secondary display in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a block diagram of a multimedia unit for use with the multislave
20 depicted in Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of a video display system for a gaming
machine including a projection mode LCD.
Figure 9 is a process, flow diagram of a general method for controlling video
content in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
25 Figure 10 is a process flow diagram of a specific method for controlling
video
content associated with one secondary aspect of a game.
Figure 11 is a process flow diagram of a specific method for controlling video
content associated with an alternative secondary aspect of a game.
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
7
Figure 12A is an illustration of a slot machine of this invention including
main
and secondary displays illustrating the play of a "diamond mine" bonus game.
Figure 12B is a process flow diagram of a specific method for controlling
video
content associated with the "diamond mine" bonus game.
Figurc 13A is an illustration of a slot machine of this invention including
main
and secondary displays illustrating the play of a "cherry pie" bonus game.
Figure 13B is a process Ilow diagram of a specific method for controlling
video
content associated with the "cherry pie" bonus game.
DIrSCRIPTION Or THl; PRI',rIJRRCD IJMBODIMCNTS
GENERAL
Generally, the present invention provides improved gaming machines and
methods of using such improved gaming machines. While the invention is
described in
terms of a few specific embodiments, it is by no means so limited. Numerous
specific
details of these embodiments are set forth in order to provide a thorough
understanding
of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that the present
invention may
be practiced without limitation to some of the specific details presented
herein.
A video display gaming machine 210 provided in accordance with one
embodiment of this invention is depicted in Figure 2. Gaming machine 210
includes a
gaming machine housing 212, a top glass 214, a belly glass 218, and a main
display
220. Main display 220 may be a mechanical display such as a spinning reel
display or
a video display such as a CRT. Examples of games for which the results of a
play may
be displayed on a main video display include video slot games, electronic
video poker
card games, electronic keno games, electronic blackjack games, spinning reel
slot
games, etc. A spinning reel display includes a set of spinning reels which are
typically
stepper motor driven reel assemblies that each include a plurality of indicia
or symbols
on their periphery. If the indicia on the reels line up in a predetermined
combination,
the player is paid a jackpot.
Mounted within top glass 214 is a top glass secondary video display 219 which
provides video content 221 such as secondary game information as described
above.
In the example presented, video content 221 includes a thermometer indicating
how
close the machine has come to awarding a bonus. Also, mounted within top glass
214
are separate utility meters or lighted display regions 246a and 246b which may
present
CA 02238678 2003-04-17
primary and secondary game information as described above. It is also
possible,
although not necessarily preferred. to mount within belly glass 218 a belly
glass video
display 223 providing video content 225 such as player attraction material
indicating that
a bonus is available. The video displays 2'? t and 22 3 are preferably high-
resolution flat
panel LCDs, cathode ray tubes, projection type LCDs, plasma displays, field
emission
displays, a digital micromirror device (DMD) or other conventional
electronically
controlled video monitors.
Provided beneath main display 220 are various play buttons 230 which allow the
user to control operation of the gaming machine in a conventional manner. The
control
buttons 230 allow the gaming machine user to select various games and/or game
options.
Many possible games including traditional slot games, progressive slot games,
video
poker, and increasingly popular mufti-line machines which have multiple (e.g.,
8 or 15)
pay lines. Of course, the arrangement and function of control buttons 2317
will depend
l:p somewhat upon the type of game (or games) that can be played on machine
210. For
mufti-game machine formats, such as IG'I"s Game King Machine, buttons ''30 may
have
more than one function depending on the available games.
A coin acceptor ~ 32 and a bill acceptor 234 are provided for accepting player
currency to allow plays on gaming machine 210. Finally, a coin tray 236 is
provided
beneath belly glass display 218 to collect coins from winning plays. When a
Loser wishes
to play the gaming machine 212, he or she inserts cash or coin through bill
insertion slot
234 or coin slot 232.
Gaming machine 21 (1 may also include player tracking apparatus (not shown)
which could include a key pad, a player tracking card reader, and a small
display. As
explained in related U.S. Patent No. 6, 347,738 issued February 19, 2002 to
hlternational
Game Technology, player tracking is commonly used by casinos to understand the
usage
patterns of various of its patrons.
CA 02238678 2003-04-17
v.A-
In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a secondary display is
provided in the top portion of a gaming machine. That entire portion will be
referred to
herein as a "top box." The top box is preferably a modular portion of the
gaming
machine which can be removed and reinstalled as necessary. This allows easy
servicing,
replacement, and upgrading.
Figures 3a-3e and 4a-4d illustrate two alternative embodiments of a gaming
machine top box designed in accordance with the present invention. It should
be
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
9
understood that the top boxes illustrated in Figures 3a-3e and 4a-4d are
normally
mounted on top of the remainder of the gaming machine chassis, including a
main
display region and a belly glass region. In Figures 3a-3e, the top box has a
rectangular
profile, while in Figures 4a-4d, the top box has a rounded or more dome-shaped
5 profile. In each case, the secondary display and some associated electronics
are
provided in a module which is affixed to the top box by a hinge. In addition,
a top
glass with an associated viewing window for a secondary display is provided on
the
front exterior of each top box design.
Turning now to Figures 3a-3c, the rectangular profile top box is displayed as
it
10 would appear installed on a gaming machine in a casino, for example. Figure
3a is a
perspective view, Figure 3b is a front view, and Figure 3c is a top view.
Figures 3d
and 3e provide additional perspective views of the top box illustrated in
Figures 3a-3c.
They show the top box as it would appear with the top glass removed and the
secondary display module exposed. In Figures 3a-3e, like reference numbers
will be
15 used to illustrate like features.
A rectangular profile top box 301 includes a top glass 303 on its front face.
Top glass 303 includes a display window 305 through which the video content of
secondary display 219 can be viewed. To display primary and secondary
information
associated with progressive games, top box 301 may include a primary
progressive
20 display 307 and a secondary progressive display 309.
Other features on the front face of top box 301 are located behind top glass
303.
These include a card reader 317 for accepting player tracking cards, credit
cards, debit
cards, etc., a card reader display 313 for displaying messages associated with
card
reader 317 (e.g., "INSERT CARD," "ENTER PIN," etc.), and special event button
25 315. In one embodiment, button 315 may include a light which, when
illuminated,
indicates to the player that a special play is available. This may be the
case, for
example, when the player has a special code on his or her tracking card. If
the player
elects to push button 315, when illuminated, then the system may play back
multimedia
content that advertises the special event. For example, the system may display
a
30 hurricane on display 219 and play back wind noises through its speakers.
The player
can then win additional cash or credits during a play on the machine.
The top box chassis has a front face as shown and described, as well as a top
exterior surface 321, a left exterior surface 323 and a right exterior surface
325. The
back and bottom surfaces are not shown. Left and right exterior surfaces 323
and 325
35 include vents or speaker ports 327.
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
As mentioned, Figures 3d and 3e illustrate top box 301 with top glass 303
removed. As shown, video display 219 is provided in a display module 329.
Module
329 is mounted to the right panel 325 of the top box via a hinge 331. Module
329 is
held in a display position by a latch mechanism 333 such a spring-loaded pin.
When
5 latch 333 is released, display module 329 may swing about hinge 321 to
expose
various cable connections and inserts for memory disk, as well as the interior
portion
of top box 301.
Display module 329 may include a metal or plastic casing having various
connector ports and memory drive inserts. In a particularly preferred
embodiment,
10 display module 329 houses two flash disks, one for storing display screen
animation
employed in bonus games of this invention and a second for storing customer-
specific
applications such as advertisements describing casino services. In a preferred
embodiment, both of these drives are PCMCIA drives. A PCMCIA insert port 335
is
provided for the gaming machine specific animation (e.g., the bonus game
information). A PCMCIA card insert port 337 is provided for the customer-
specific
applications.
Two RCA cable ports 339 are provided for carrying stereo audio from an
external source such as a video cassette recorder or other device that
produces sound in
conjunction with video display 219. In addition, five connectors 341 are
provided fob:
1) power; 2) communication with the main game being displayed on the main
display
220 (RS232); 3) communication with the game being displayed on main display
220
through a proprietary link known as netplex; 4) game sound; and 5) sound
transmitted
from module 329.
Displays 345 and 347 provide primary and secondary progressive game
metering, respectively. As is known to those in the field, this primary
metering
represents the value of the top prize for the progressive system which has in
the past
exceeded $12 million on IGT's Megabucks~ system. The secondary information
represents a smaller secondary jackpot that is awarded more frequently when a
particular combination of symbols appears on the payline.
Figures 4a-4d show an alternative embodiment employing a rounded or semi-
dome shaped top box 302. In the Figures shown, features or eiements which are
identical to those shown in 3a-3e are indicated by like reference numbers. In
fact, most
features provided in the two embodiments are identical. The differences reside
in the
shape of a top box enclosure. Specifically, the top surface of top box 302 is
a circular
exterior piece 351. This rests on top of left and right housing portions 353
and 355.
Circular top portion 351 gives top glass 303 a rounded profile as illustrated
in the
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
Figures. Air vents 357 arc provided on cacti of housing portions 351, 353, and
355
(not shown). Speaker ports 356 are provided on the front lower corners of
housing
portions 353 and 355.
5 SYSTEM ELECTRONICS
Figure 5 is a block diagram of one preferred architecture for a gaming machine
510 of the present invention. Central to the gaming machine is a gaming
machine CPU
502 containing the logic nor performing operations associated with executing
plays on
the gaming machine, interacting with gaming machine players, processing
network
10 information, providing information used by a tracking device, generating
game
outcomes, etc. Preferably, CPU 502 is a custom gaming machine CPU such as the
80960 microprocessor used in IGT gaming machines and manufactured by Intel
Corporation.
CPU 502 is connected to a main display 220 and controls its content via
control
15 signals provided in any suitable format such as IGT's proprietary "Netplex"
protocol.
Netplex is implemented for use on a serial data communication interface
utilizing an
optically isolated current loop. The purpose of the Netplex is to provide a
consistent
communication protocol for all of the intelligent peripherals within a gaming
machine.
There are three Netplex signals: Receive, Transmit, and Reset. In addition,
there are
20 two power connections. The1 purpose of the Reset signal is to synchronously
reset all
of the peripherals. It should be understood that IGT's Netplex protocol could
be
substituted with other protocol schemes that are known to those skilled in the
art of
digital circuit design and programming.
Main display 220 is preferably a set of spinning reels or a CRT display.
25 However, it is possible to use other types of displays such as LCD
displays, plasma
displays; field emission displays, digital micromirror displays, LCD
touchscreens, etc.
In a preferred embodiment, CPU 502 controls main display 220 indirectly via a
stepper
motor (not shown) in the case of a spinning reel slot machine or a video main
graphics
system (also not shown) in the case of a video display. The video main
graphics
30 system functions to drive main display 220.
Gaming machine CPU 502 also communicates with a "multislave" module 508.
Multislave module 508 is in turn coupled to secondary display 219 that is
preferably an
LCD. Preferably, multislave module 508 communicates with CPU 502 via a
proprietary Netplex protocol for resetting as described above. Communications,
are
35 through any standard port such as an RS232 serial port. Display 219 is
representative
CA 02238678 2003-04-17
-I 2-
of the larger class of video displays including. as mentioned above, liquid
crystal
displays, cathode ray tubes, plasma displays, field emission displays, digital
micromirror
displays, LCD touchscreens, combinations of these, etc. In a preferred
embodiment,
display 219 is an LCD Flat Panel, LQ10D421, available from Sharp Electronics
of
S Camas, WA.
As described below with reference to Figure 6. multislave module S08 includes
the logic for driving display 219. It may also include mass storage such as a
hard drive
and/or PCMCIA cards. This storage may be employed to hold multiple images that
are
frequently displayed on seconct~~ry display 219 as well as associated sound.
Gamin; machine Cfl..1 502 may also be connected to a player tracking device
S 16 which is preferably a separate processor for handling player tracking
information.
Player tracking device 516 communicates with gaming machine players via an
interface
1 S that includes a display 518. a card reader 520, and a keypad 522. Card
reader S20 may
be employed to read special player tracking cards issued by casinos or other
entities.
Alternatively, or in addition, reader S20 may also read credit or debit cards
for accessing
a player's remote financial account directly. In this regard, keypad 522 may
be
employed to key in acco~~nt information allowing electronic funds transfer
between
gaming machine 510 and a player's remote financial institution. Gaming
machines
which allow access to remote financial institutions via credit or debit caxds
are described
in U.S. Patent 110. 6,347,7:18. It should be noted that insertion of a player
tracking card
may alert the machine that a particular customer is playing. In response, the
machine
may display particular images on LCD 219.
2S
Preferably, the display S 18 is m LED, small LCD, vacuum fluorescent, or dot
matrix alphanumeric display (having, e.g., a sixteen character, fourteen
segment display)
which displays informatic>n relevant to player tracking, machine state, and/or
electronic
funds transfers. Such display information includes, for example, a prompt to
enter a
personal identification number, a notice that a credit transfer was
authorized, an amount
CA 02238678 2003-04-17
-12A-
of the authorized transfer, machine diagnostics, insert coins messages, and
bonusing for
a particular game. Suitable displays may be obtained from various vendors such
as
Futaba of Japan, Alternatively, the content provided on display ~ 18 may be
provided on
main display 220 or secondary display 219.
Finally, player tracking device 51 fi communicates with a network 524 via an
optional data collection unit ("DC'.U"j 526. Network 524 may be a casino
communications network including a number of slot machines connected to one
another
by communications cables to form a floor communications network. Within this
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
13
network, DCUs such as unit 526 connected to machine 510 act as communications
multiplexers for groups of gaming machines on the floor network. The DCUs
preferably have some limited processing capabilities for the purpose of
polling
rnachines, storing and forwarding communications, etc. In one specific
embodiment, a
single DCU is coupled to thirty-two gaming machines. While the floor network
physical connections among the individual gaming machines and corresponding
DCUs
may take various forms including wireless connections, in preferred
embodiments, the
floor network is provided on fiber optic cable.
In alternate embodiments, the DCUs may be replaced with direct connections to
the slot machines. The DCUs simply provide greater adaptability to changes in
the
network configuration.
Figure 6 presents one example of a multislave module 508 suitable for use with
display 219. As shown, multislave 508 includes a graphics controller 601 which
provides data to LCD flat panel 219. Graphics controller 601 receives digital
images
and provides the pixel-by-pixel digital output to LCD 219. Preferably,
graphics
controller 601 also provides some higher level functionality such as resizing
graphical
displays, etc. By providing such high level functionality, controller 601
reduces the
burden on other processors in the system. One suitable graphics controller is
the model
CL-GD 7548 available from Cirrus Logic of Fremont, California.
Graphics controller 601 may be coupled to a video memory 603 which
temporarily stores a limited nhi'nber of video images for rapid display on LCD
219. In
one example, video memory 603 stores about two megabytes of video data,
implemented with four 256K by sixteen DRAM devices. More preferably, video
memory 603 has the capacity to store 8- l0 megabytes of images for display on
LCD
219.
The video data storage in memory 603 is preferably provided in an
uncompressed format. It stores a currently displayed frame plus other video
information that might be displayed in the very near future. For example; it
may store
all the data associated with a particular bonusing animation, or possibly two
bonusing
animations. Preferably, it stores the background for the animation as a
general frame in
which individual animation figures can be moved about within the frame. For
example,
a race track animation may include a background frame in which three lanes are
provided for three separate racing elements (e.g., represented by the numerals
seven).
In addition, memory 603 would store the individual racing elements (e.g., the
sevens).
In response to appropriate events, graphics controller 601 runs an animation
causing
the individual racing icons to move from left to right on the screen. It
accomplishes this
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
14
by erasipg a block where the icon had previously been displayed, filling in
that block
with the background frame from memory 603, and moving the racing icon a
certain
distance to the right. In one specific embodiment, this repositioning might be
accomplished in about fifty movements, each separated by a few milliseconds,
to give
5 the appearance of a continuous motion.
Together, graphics controller 601, video memory 603, and LCD flat panel 219
comprise a video sub-section 613 of multislave 508. It should be understood
that
graphics controller 601 represents generally controllers capable of driving
plasma
displays, field emission displays, digital micromirror displays, etc. in
addition to LCD
10 flat panel 219.
Graphics controller 601 communicates with other elements of multislave 508
over a local bus 605 which transmits address, data, and control signals. In
addition to
graphics controller 601, other elements of multislave 508 coupled by local bus
605
include a boot block flash memory 607, a processor 621 and a system controller
623.
15 When the system is powered up, boot block flash memory 607 which contains
the system BIOS sets up a resident flash array 609 to make it appear as a hard
drive to
processor 621 and other system elements. It does this by storing the
multislave's
operating system, certain common internal video images provided via the
multislave,
and an application for controlling the audio and video output of multislave
508. Among
20 the "common images" stored in resident flash array 609 are tilt images,
diagnostic
images, etc. In one preferred~elnbodiment, the operating system is DOS and
Windows
available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington.
The application stored on flash array 609 interacts with three primary
components of multislave 508. These are the video sub-section 613, a mass
storage
25 section 611, and a sound board 659. The application on array 609 also
interacts with a
mufti-media board 615 connected to multislave 508.
A DRAM 619 buffers audio and video data to be output by multislave 508. By
way of example, RAM 619 might have a 64 megabit storage capacity. Processor
621
executes the application resident in flash array 609 to perform such functions
as
30 accessing peripherals and controlling the display of bonusing animations.
Preferably,
processor 621 has the speed and processing power of at least a 486 series
microprocessor available from Intel Corporation of San Jose, California (e.g.,
a
80486DX4-100 microprocessor).
System controller 623 preferably integrates the functions of a conventional PC
35 motherboard on a single chip. In one preferred embodiment, system
controller 623 is
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
IS
provided as an R400EX high integration 486 single chip controller available
from
RadiSys Corporation of Hillsboro, Oregon. Among the specific functions
provided by
controller 623 arc the following: memory control for DRAM 619, control of
interfaces
to mass storage elements in mass storage block 611, interrupt arbitration, and
providing
5 clock signals from a real time clock 625 and a system clock 627. It also
provides
power to the remainder of multislave 508 through a battery backup 629. Still
further, it
instructs a back light controller G31 to appropriately control back lighting
633.
Back lighting 633 provides the light necessary to illuminate images on LCD
219. Multislave 508 controls the back lighting so that it can be turned off
during the
10 system boot stage. Normally during the stage, the system would cause back
lighting
633 to flash a response to certain boot operations. To prevent this
potentially annoying
effect, back light control 631 is provided to turn off the back lighting 633
at appropriate
times.
Mass storage block 611 is shown to include three separate mass storage
15 devices. A semi-conductor memory device 635 such as a PCMCIA card stores
various
pieces of video images internal to multislave 508. These video images include,
for
example, various bonusing animations (including audio). Semi-conductor memory
635
is read from and written to through an interface 637. A semi-conductor memory
639
(e.g., a PCMCIA card) accessible through an interface 641 stores various
operator
20 images such as logos, screen savers, associated sounds, etc. Often these
will be the
images or animations associated with the casino operating the slot machine.
Finally, a
CD ROM drive 643 is optionally provided to store other types of video data
such as
digital video disc (DVD) or Motion Pictures Expert Group (MPEG) data. Drive
643
interfaces with the rest of multislave 508 through an Integrated Drive
Electronics (mE)
25 interface 645. A CD ROM drive has the advantage of allowing data to be
easily
swapped in and out of the system through replaceable CDs. In contrast, semi-
conductor memory, magnetic memory, and other forms of harddrive require some
form
of serial programming. However, CD ROM drives may have lower capacity and
lower
reliability than the semi-conductor drives 635 and 639. Thus, the system
preferably
30 includes both drive types.
When the application resident on flash array 609 determines that access to a
particular piece of data stored in mass storage block 611 should be accessed,
it
communicates a request for that data over local bus 605 to system controller
623.
System controller 623 then specifies the address of the data to be retrieved
and presents
35 that address to interface 637, interface 641 or interface 645, as
appropriate. The
appropriate interface then retrieves the requested data and provides it to an
ISA bus
647. The data on this bus is then provided to system controller 623 which
oversees
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
16
copying of the data to DRAM 619. Some of the video data provided to DRAM 619
is
then temporarily stored on video memory 603 for immediate access by graphics
controller 601. Note that resident flash array 609 and DRAM 619 are also
provided on
ISA bus 647 along with system controller 623.
It should be understood that processor 621 is dedicated to multislave 508 and
plays no role in the outcome of a game or bonusing scheme. It merely oversees
video
and audio output from multislave 508 in response to game events controlled by
CPU
502 depicted in Figure S. This separation of responsibilities has the
advantage of
certain prior regulatory review for approval by the appropriate gaming
authorities.
Generally, gaming authorities such as the Nevada Gaming Commission very
carefully
regulate the introduction of new gaming output systems through in-depth
examination
of these systems. In the case of the present invention, the gaming output
controller is
CPU 502 which has already been approved by the relevant gaming authority. The
introduction of multislave 508 with processor 621 into a gaming machine system
for
the purpose of additional display in no way affects game outcomes and would
require
no additional scrutiny with respect to game play.
Inputs to multislave 508 include a Netplex communication line to a dual
universal asynchronous receiver transmitter ("DUART") 649 for sending Reset
signals
to multislave 508 from CPU 502. While not shown, the Netplex communication
line
may include a discrete line which provides the Reset signal directly to system
controller
623. This allows the multislavc to be reset synchronously with other
peripherals on the
gaming machine system. )fin one specific embodiment, DUART 649 is a model
MC68681 available from Phillips Semiconductor of Sunnyvale, California. Other
inputs are provided through a "Super I/O" interface 651 connecting to a first
communications line 653 such as an RS232 serial line. Preferably, line 653 is
employed to receive relevant game outcome events from CPU 502. A second
communications line 655 is also optionally provided to super I/O interface
651. Line
655 is also preferably a RS232 serial line. In a specific embodiment, it is
provided
only for expansion purposes. A suitable Super I/O interface may be .obtained
from
Standard Microsystem Corp. of Hauppauge, NY. Finally, a parallel port 657 is
provided to I/O interface 651. Parallel port 657 allows highspeed downloads of
new
programs to multislave 508.
An exemplary list of signals provided through lines 653 and the line to DUART
649 includes the following:
Trigger signals
Play Sound Plays sound from sound table
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
17
Reset Rcscts Multislavc
Tilt A tilt has occurred
Tilt Clear A tilt has just been cleared
Door Open The door has been opened
Door Clear The door has just been closed
Machine Event An event internal to the machine
occurred, such as switch
press
Critical Game EventAn event critical to the game operation
occurred, such as
game started
Progressive Event An event relating to progressive
occurred, such as
progressive combination was won
All Games SupportedAll games supported by the machine
New Game Event A new game type has been entered
Attendant Event Attendant (Options) menu has been
entered
Attract Event Start/Stop Attract Sequence
Set Attract SequenceEnable/Disable Attract Sequences
Initialize Bonus Setup bonus game
Game
Fonus Game Event An event such as coin in has occurred
Bonus Game Win CategoryA specific win category has been
hit
Kill Bonus Game End bonus game
Request Program Request software version from multislave
Versions
Request Sound Request sounds from sound table from
multislave
Request Attract Request attract sequences from multislave
Sequences
The sound interface 659 provides stereo output to amplifiers 661A and 661B
which drive speakers 663A and 663B respectively. Sound interface 659 also
mixes
audio signals from other sources in gaming machine 510 with audio signals
generated
5 within multislave 508. Such internally generated signals are stored on semi-
conductor
storage devices 635 and 639,' for example. During playback of an animation,
for
example, sound interface 659 may access internal audio data directly from DRAM
619
by DMA.
In a preferred embodiment, sound interface 659 is compatible with "Sound
10 Blaster Pro" standard. In one specific embodiment, sound interface 659 is
an ES 1688
available from ESS Technology, Inc. of Fremont, California.
In operation, when the system powers up or there is a change in the bonus
game being played, all necessary audio and visual information for the new
animations
or early display is loaded into DRAM 619. For internally held data, this
loading
15 process is controlled by system controller 623 as described above. When the
appropriate video data is loaded into RAM 619, at least a few frames of that
data are
provided over local bus 605 to graphics controller 601 and temporarily stored
in video
memory 603. Graphics controller 601 then controls the display of the content
from
video memory 603 on LCD 219 in accordance with the animation. Concurrently,
audio
20 information is played back when processor 621 instructs sound interface 659
(through
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
18
system controller G23 and ISA bus G47) to begin audio playback. At that point,
sound
interface 659 gains control of the bus during idle times of the processor to
directly
access the appropriate audio information from DRAM 619.
Figure 7 presents a block diagram of the multimedia block 615 shown in Figure
5 6. It should be understood that in the context of Figures 5 and 6,
multimedia block 615
can be mounted (or interfaced) directly on a "game board" (CPU 502) or on the
multislave board (controlled by processor 621 ). If multislave module 508 is
employed
in a spinning reel slot machine, multimedia block 615 preferably mounts with
processor
621 on the multislave module. If, on the other hand, module 508 assists a
video
10 gaming machine, block 6l5 preferably mounts with CPU 502 on the game board.
Multimedia board 615 can accept multiple video inputs from a network or other
sources. As shown, the inputs to multimedia board 615 possibly include NTSC
signals from VCR-type sources and RF video signals from cable television-type
sources. Examples of such inputs include casino kiosk information, television
IS broadcasting, etc. Various inputs are available from CPU 502 (Figure 5).
These
include video signals indicated as "CPU video," audio signals from the CPU
indicated
as "CPU audio," and address, data, and control signals. Each of the CPU inputs
may
be provided over the local bus 605 shown in Figure 6. In the case of a
spinning reel
slot machine, the input line CPU Video need not be provided. The output of
20 multimedia board 615 includes digital video signals to main display 220 and
to graphics
controller 601. Note that in the case of a video gaming machine, multimedia
module
,,
615 acts as an interface between CPU 502 and main display 220. Additionally,
stereo
audio output is provided to speakers 663A and 663B (via sound block 659) as
shown
in Figure 6.
25 RF video programming provided to multiboard 615 is first processed by a
television tuner 703. Tuner 703 separates the audio and video signal content
from the
RF input signal. The video signal is directed to an NTSClPAL decoder 705 which
decodes encoded video data in accordance with industry standards. Decoded
video data
from block 705 is provided to a video processor 707 which mixes video~signals
from
30 various sources including CPU 502 digital video. The mixed video signals
are then
directed to a digital analog converter 709 which outputs an analog video
signal to the
main display 220. Video signals from NTSC sources are input directly to
decoder 705.
Otherwise, they are treated identically to the video portion of the RF input
signal.
Video signals for secondary display 219 are output directly from decoder 705,
as
35 shown, and directed to graphics controller 601 for further processing.
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
l9
In one specific embodiment, tuner 703 is a FI1236 available from Phillips
Semiconductor of Sunnyvale, California, decoder 705 is a SAA7110 available
from
Phillips Semiconductor of Sunnyvale, California, and processor 707 is a VxP202
available from AuraVision of Fremont, California.
5 The audio component of the RF input is output from television tuner 703 to a
stereo/SAP decoder 71 1. This block decodes encoded audio data from the RF
input.
In one specific embodiment, decoder 71 ( may be a TDA9850 available from
Phillips
Semiconductor of Sunnyvale, California. The decoded data output from decoder
711 is
fed to an audio multiplexes and volume control unit 713. Multiplexes 713
multiplexes
10 sound from various sources including audio data from the RF input (as
described),
audio data stored in a flash memory 715, and audio data provided directly from
CPU
502. Multiplexes 713 is controlled by control signals from CPU 502 or from CPU
621
provided over local bus 605, for example. In one specific embodiment,
Multiplexes
713 may be a LM 1973 multiplexes available from National Semiconductor of
Santa
15 Clara, California.
It should be noted that television tuner 703, decoder 705, and video processor
707 are also controlled by control data from CPU 502 over data bus 605.
Control
signals from CPU 502 may also be employed to control the volume of the audio
signal
at multiplexer/controller 713. The output of multiplexer/controller 713 is a
stereo signal
20 which is provided to stereo amplifiers 717A and 717B. In one embodiment, a
volume
. control unit provided with multiplexes 713 is a YAC513 available from Yamaha
Corporation of San Jose, California.
As noted, audio data may be stored in a flash memory device 715. This data is
accessed by a sound controller 719 which is coupled to address and control
signals
25 from CPU 502. The sound data extracted from flash memory 715 by controller
719 is
provided to multiplexer/controller 713. A final input to
multiplexer/controller 713 is
provided directly from CPU 502 as shown. The signals on this line are audio
signals
provided directly from CPU 502. Sound controller 719 may be a YNI2280B
available
from Yamaha Corporation of San Jose, California. Finally, multimedia board 615
may
30 include additional flash memory 721 provided to store extra data as
necessary.
PROJECTION-MODE LCD
Figure 8 presents a projection-mode LCD system 810 in accordance with an
alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment
shown, a
35 light source 802 is mounted near the bottom of a gaming machine. This may
be
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
20
necessary to ensure that the beam path is sufficiently great to project an
expanded image
onto the exterior of the gaming machine. Light source 802 produces a light
beam 804
which passes through a hot mirror 806. The function of hot mirror 806 is to
reduce the
amount of heat energy in beam 804. Examples of hot mirrors suitable for use
with this
5 invention include hot mirror #A43, 452, Edmund Scientific Industrial
Division,
Barrington, New Jersey. After passing through hot mirror 806, beam 804
encounters a
focusing Icns 808 which focuses beam 804 onto a fresnel lens 812, which
collimates
beam 804 and directs it onto a projection-type LCD 814. Examples of suitable
projection-type LCDs include LQ 64 P3 l2 Sharp TF7 Module Sharp Electronics
Corp.,
10 Camas, Wisconsin. Preferably, LCD 814 is controlled by a suitable
controller 815
such as the processor and controller arrangement found in gaming machine CPU
502
and multislave 508 shown in Figure 5. As beam 804 passes through LCD 814, the
video information displayed on LCD 814 is imparted to beam 804 which expands
onto
a mirror 816. The mirror then redirects beam 804 toward a display 219 on the
gaming
15 machine exterior. Thus, video content provided to projection-type LCD 814
is
displayed to a gaming machine user on a secondary display window such as
window
305 (Figure 4d).
The shape of the material displayed on secondary display 219 may be controlled
by "cropping" the image provided by projection type LCD 814. The cropping
20 information is provided as part of the video signals from controller 815.
These signals
may specify, for example, that the top corners of the LCD 814 are made opaque
so that
the video content displayed qn,the glass 303 has a hemispheric shape 818 as
shown in
Figure 8. Of course, the cropping may be controlled to present many different
shaped
screen displays such as circles, rectangles, and various polygons or even 3-
dimensional
25 images.
Another advantage of a projection mode LCD is potentially reduced costs of the
gaming machine display. Generally the cost of a liquid crystal display varies
nearly
directly with the area of the LCD. Thus, smaller LCDs are less expensive than
larger
LCDs. Because relatively small LCD displays can be employed on projection-mode
30 systems, the cost of building a gaming machine is reduced in comparison to
gaming
machines having large LCDs provided directly on the exterior of the gaming
machine.
Digital micromirror displays may be employed in a manner similar to the LCD
projection devices.
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
2l
VIDEO CONTENT
Typically, the video content displayed on a video display such as secondary
display 219 of this invention will be carefully controlled. As described
above, the
content may fall under one of at least three categories: primary information,
secondary
5 information, and tertiary information. Examples of primary information
include
indications of a "currency in" stage in which the machine awaits a coin or
bill insertion
to initiate a play, a "game play" stage in which the player has initiated a
play (e.g.,
spinning reels on a slot machine), and a "game result" stage in which a payout
may be
registered. Primary game outcome information includes payout information
provided
10 to a gaming machine player indicating how much, if any, payout the player
should
receive upon alignment of particular symbols on the payline at completion of a
game.
The primary game outcome information may also include such information as a
pay
table describing winning combinations and the amount of payout a given
combination
will provide. Other primary events include general gaming machine state
changes such
15 as malfunction (e.g., a tilt). Examples of secondary information include
information
about slot tournaments, progressive games, bonusing schemes, and other
incentives
challenging the player to keep playing or to play in a particular manner.
Examples of
tertiary information include billboard information, advertisements, television
programming, player attraction material, casino kiosks, video conferencing,
and
20 combinations thereof.
A casino kiosk may provide a menu for casino services such as help from an
,,
attendant, ordering drinks and food, reserving taxi cabs, obtaining tickers
for shows,
conducting banking transactions, learning about the availability of health
clubs, shops,
restaurants, etc. Such kiosks are now physically provided in a single
centralized
25 location within a casino. By allowing the user to access the kiosk from the
gaming
machine at which he or she is currently positioned, the player need not leave
that
machine to take advantage of other casino services. Thus, the user may
continue
playing at a given machine without interruption if desired. In one preferred
embodiment, the player communicates his or her requests via a menu displayed
on the
30 secondary display screen -- without the intervention of a casino attendant.
The menu
driven requests might include., for example, car reservations, drink requests,
movie,
dinner or theater reservations, messages for a particular room, taxi cab
requests, etc.
Television programming may be provided to the video display via a cable link
or other suitable link. All or some subset of the programming provided by a
television
35 broadcaster may be displayed as content on the video display. Television
programming
content of particular interest to casino operators may include, for example,
sporting
events, talk shows, game shows, soap operas, advertisements, situation
comedies, ete.
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
22
In addition, broadcasts of competitive events on which the player can wager
may be
displayed. For example, dog racing or horse racing events may be displayed as
content
on the video display. In such events, there is typically a rather long down
time between
races. During this period, the player may play the gaming machine. Then, when
a race
5 begins, the player focuses his or her attention on that event without
needing to leave his
position at the gaming machine. Similarly, the video content may include
information
available on the Internet, including the World Wide Web, for more
technologically
sophisticated players.
Another use of the video display may be to provide two-way communication
10 between the gaming player and a casino attendant or other individual. In
such devices,
a camera and microphone would be outfitted on the gaming machine. This
arrangement
would have the additional benefit of enhancing the security of the gaming
machine. As
aaempts to defeat gaming machines become :ore wide spread, such security
devices
would deter would-be thieves from attempting to cheat the gaming machine. Note
also
IS that by outfitting a gaming machine with a camera, a microphone, or other
such
devices, the player's image could actually be displayed as video content on
the display.
Various novel effects could be generated from this content. For example, the
player's
face could be morphed into a movie star, a sporting figure, or other well-
known
individual. By carefully controlling such video content, the casino operator
could
20 attract greater numbers of players to particular gaming machines. In
addition to
communicating with casino attendants, a player could, for example, schedule
later
activities with his or her spouse or other associates.
Various secondary game features are known in the art. These include, for
example, slot tournaments and bonusing schemes. Slot tournaments involve a
group of
25 gaming machine players competing against one another in a manner that
allows the
player or players with the highest score or scores to win additional rewards.
These
rewards may include, for example, additional plays on a given machine,
additional
payout, free casino services, etc. In bonusing games, each winning play on a
machine
may be registered such that after a certain number of winning plays, a bonus
is
30 received. Thus, for example, after the eighth winning play on a given
gaming machine,
an additional reward is provided to the player. However, if the player leaves
the
gaming machine before that eighth winning play results, the player cannot
receive the
bonus. A subsequent player might then build on the winning plays of the
previous
player so that the second player can receive the bonus. In such games, there
must be
35 some mechanism to show the user that a bonus is available and how it is
attained.
Conventionally, this was accomplished with small lights or other symbols
provided on
the top glass of the gaming machine. With a secondary display of this
invention, such
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
23
bonusing information can be presented in many different formats. For example,
the
bonusing symbols may take the form of an animated automobile one week, an
airplane
another week, a boat another week, a pie with slices or thermometer yet
another week,
etc.
5 Still further, the secondary displays of this invention may be employed to
display variable themes associated with a particular casino or gaming machine.
As is
known in the art, casinos periodically change themes associated with their
gaming
machines. This provides fresh ornamentation and incentives which are useful
for
attracting potential players. Examples of successful slot machine themes
include "Red
10 White and Blue," "Double Diamond," and "Wild Cherry."
In prior art mufti-game machines, multiple games such as keno, video poker,
etc., may be available for play on a single machine. Obviously, each of these
games
has a separate pay table. In single game machines, such pay tables are
presented
permanently on the top glass or a belly glass of the machine. In mufti-game
machines,
15 such information may be provided on a CRT screen in response to menu driven
commands on a touch screen portion of the CRT. Because a CRT provides the
primary
game playing information (e.g., keno results or cards drawn in video poker), a
pay
table cannot be simultaneously displayed to the user while he or she is
playing one of
the mufti-games available in the machine. Thus, the only way to access a pay
table is
20 through the menu when the primary game is not being played. This can be
confusing
to the player.
,,
In contrast, secondary display 219 provided on the top glass (or reel glass or
belly glass 225) of the present invention allows a player to monitor his or
her primary
game while simultaneously examining the pay table. In this embodiment, a
separate
25 pay table is displayed on the top glass display 219 for each of the
multiple games
available on the machine. For example, if a user selected a keno game from the
main
display, the pay table presented on the top glass display 219 would be for a
keno game.
If the user thereafter decided to play a video poker game, the pay table
presented on
display 219 could show the appropriate poker pay table. Thus, the present
invention
30 allows users to more easily play the various games on a mufti-game machine.
As used herein, the terms "bonus game," "secondary game," "bonusing game,"
and "variations thereof' all refer generally to a game or a component of a
game
35 involving procedures in addition to the primary game on the gaming machine.
For
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
74
example, if the primary game is a reel slot game, the bonus game may allow
players the
possibility of winning more than the pay table indicates. Typically, but not
necessarily,
the bonus game outcome will depend upon the outcome of the primary game. For
example, a bonus game outcome xnay be contingent upon a "cherry" symbol being
5 displayed on a slot reel at the end of a slot game play. Also, the bonus
game outcome
may depend upon winning a payout from a slot game play while the gaming
machine is
in a "bonus zone." In alternative embodiments, the bonus game may be
unconnected
with the outcome of a primary game play.
Figures 9-13 illustrate examples of how the video display screen of the
present
10 invention may be employed to display secondary and tertiary information. A
general
process flow for controlling secondary display 219 is depicted in Figure 9.
From the
gaming machine and the video display screen perspective, the first event of
relevance is
the powering on of the machine as indicated at a step 904. Shortly thereafter,
the
system of Figure 6 may receive pertinent game information at a step 906. This
IS information may specify which particular bonus games are to be made
available initially
on the gaming machine. At this stage, the system may also perform a self check
to
ensure that it is functioning properly.
At a step 908, the system updates secondary display 219 to present bonus
information associated with the currently available game. During this step,
the gaming
20 machine may remain idle or the operator (e.g., the casino) may display some
tertiary
content such as a casino kiosk or a sporting event. However, until a content
sensitive
event takes place, game specific information need not be displayed on
secondary
display 219. This is indicated at a step 910 which specifies that the system
is simply
waiting for an appropriate event. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, there
are four
25 pertinent events.
The first event of interest is a bill insertion event (or alternatively, a
coin
insertion event) as depicted at a step 912. In this embodiment, when a bill or
other
appropriate currency is inserted into the machine, secondary display 219
presents an
image of currency of the appropriate denomination for a certain amount of time
as is
30 indicated at a step 914. As noted above with reference to Figure 6, this
step is
performed by CPU 502 informing CPU 621 of the bill denomination or number of
coins inserted. Other images may also be presented. For example, the pay table
associated with the inserted denomination may be displayed. After the
appropriate
information has been displayed at step 914, process control returns to step
908 where
35 display 219 may be updated with appropriate bonus information for example.
Alternatively, display 219 may simply revert to the display presented before
the bill
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
25
insertion event at step 912 took place. If no bonus is displayed, then "game
attract"
mode is entered.
The next event of interest is an error or tilt event as indicated at a step
916.
When this occurs, secondary display 219 presents an appropriate machine and
tilt
5 message which clearly indicates to the user what has happened, possibly even
including
a detailed explanation of the specific tilt event. Note that in many prior
machines, it
was not at all clear to the user that a tilt had occurred because of the
limited display
capabilities of such prior machines. After the machine displays the tilt
message at step
918, the system simply waits for an attendant to show up and rectify the
situation as
10 indicated at step 920. After the attendant resets the machine or otherwise
corrects the
situation, process control returns to step 908 where display 219 is updated as
described
above.
The third alternative event of interest taking place after step 910 is a play
event
such as spinning reels as indicated at a step 922. When the reels come to
rest, a
15 decision step 924 determines whether or not a winning combination has been
presented
in the main display. If not, process control simply returns to step 908 where
the
display 219 is updated as described above. If, on the other hand, the system
determines at decision step 924 that the play has resulted in a winning
combination, the
system must then deterntine whether the win constitutes a "top pay" at a
decision step
20 926. Such top pay is associated with secondary gaming situations such as
those
described in more detail below. If the system determines at step 926 that the
win does
not correspond to a top pay, then secondary display 219 shows an appropriate
animation indicating for example, that the machine may be progressing toward a
top
pay and that continued play may result in a chance at the top pay. After such
animation
25 is displayed at a step 930, process control returns to step 908 and the
secondary display
219 follows the procedures described above.
Should the system determine at decision step 926 that the win does, in fact,
correspond to a top pay, then it may display appropriate celebratory video
images in
secondary display 219 as indicated at a step 928. For example, secondary
display 219
30 may present a fireworks animation until the pay out is completed, and the
machine is
reset by an attendant. Thereafter, process control returns to step 908 and the
system
behaves as described above.
The final event of interest presented in Figure 9 is an "attract mode" as
indicated
at a step 932. This event may be triggered by passage of a certain amount of
time
35 without one of the first of three events taking place. While in the attract
mode, the
system may display various attract animations on secondary display 219. For
example,
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
26
icmight depict "good luck" balls or other symbols moving around on the screen
for a
certain amount of time. It may also display spinning reels or some feature
designed to
attract attention to a particular feature of the game such as a large top
award that is
available. These various attraction animations may be displayed for a fixed
length of
time, after which process control returns to step 908 as described above.
Preferably, the system is designed so that secondary display 219 continues
behaving in the manner described in Figure 9 until the power is turned off.
That is, the
system will remain in one or more loops depicted in Figure 9 until it is
powered off.
Various secondary games will now be described with reference to Figures 10-
13. Each of these games is designed to supplement a standard slot machine game
in
which the spinning reels are displayed in the main display. Secondary display
219 is
reserved for the supplemental or secondary aspects of the game.
The first game of interest is depicted in Figure l0. This is referred to
herein as
a "times pay bonus" game. In this game, a player may enter a "window of bonus
activity" after a predetermined number of coins have been played (e.g., 100-
200
consecutive coins or credits). While in the window, a player may randomly
encounter
plays in which the pay-out is multiplied beyond the amount on the pay table.
Preferably, a system operator can specify both the size of the window (i.e.,
the number
of consecutive plays in which a player remains in the window) and the number
of coins
needed to reach the window.
,,
While in the window, the system will randomly assign special significance to a
certain number of consecutive game plays referred to as a "bonus zone." If
while the
player is in a zone, he or she obtains a winning combination, then the pay-out
associated with that combination is multiplied by a set factor (e.g., 2 to 9).
In one
preferred embodiment, the operator of the machine can specify such parameters
as the
size of the zone and the multiplier for any times paid bonus winning
combination. As
mentioned, the operator may also be able to set the number of coins required
to reach a
window and the size of the window. Upon the selection of a new setting, the
system
will automatically adjust the overall payout percentage including bonus
contribution.
In an alternative embodiment, the number of times play games awarded (e.g.,
the size of the zone) and the times play multiplier amount may be adjustable
depending
upon such factors as the time of day, a level of player status, a type of
player tracking
card inserted, or other specified events. When such adjustments occur, the
secondary
display will make this clear to the player.
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
27
Figurc l0 presents a process flow chart showing how the secondary display
screen may handle a "times pay bonus" game. Initially, at a step 1002,
secondary
display 219 presents custom attract, default attract, and bonus indicator
screens
intermittently. While in this mode, it continually waits for an event as
indicated at a
5 step 1004. When an appropriate event takes place, such as a bill insertion
event, the
system determines at a decision step IOOG whether it is in bonus mode (i.e.,
in the
zone). If so, secondary display 219 shows a special bonus animation and
tivolis (lights
dancing around the edge of the screen) This bonus display is illustrated at a
step 1008
in the process of Figure 10. If the event of interest in step 1004 is a
winning game
10 play, then the display presented in step i 008 will indicate that the
winning
combination's pay out is multiplied by the predetermined factor. After the
appropriate
bonus screen animations are complete, process control returns to step 1004
where the
system continues to wait for an appropriate event.
If decision step (00G determines that the system is not actually in bonus
mode,
15 then the system determines at a decision step 1010 whether it is an
appropriate time to
present a bonus indicator. If not, process controls simply return to step 1002
where an
attract message, such as the "good luck" display is presented intermittently.
If on the
other hand, decision step 10(0 determines that a bonus indicator is
appropriate, a bonus
indicator (e.g., "COMING SOON -- TIMES PLAY BONUS" with an associated ding
20 sound) is displayed on secondary display 219. After the bonus indicator
display is
finished, process control returns to step 1004 as described above.
A variation on the "times play bonus" game is a "mystery jackpot bonus" game.
A "window" is reached after a predetermined number of coin in events as
described
above for times play bonus game. Before reaching the window, the system may
25 periodically display a bonus indicator on the secondary display requesting
that the
player "WATCH FOR THE MYSTERY JACKPOT BONUS." Preferably, this display
is accompanied by some unique sound such as a "ding" sound. While in the
window,
another more frequently displayed attract screen accompanied by two dings
tells the
player that the bonus is "COMING SOON."
30 When the mystery jackpot randomly hits within the window, a graphic appears
on the secondary screen which indicates that a game play results in the
mystery jackpot.
The graphic may be, for example, a mystery jackpot logo with multiple question
marks
pulsating in the background. Upon receipt of a winning play, the system
converts the
question marks to the amount won and a congratulations statement. An
accompanying
35 sound may play when the mystery jackpot is hit.
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
28
The game operator may set such parameters as the number of coins needed to
reach the window, the size of the window, and the jackpot range. These
parameters
may also be adjusted via a system automatically depending upon the time of
day, a
player's tracking card priority, etc. When any parameter is reset, the system
automatically recalculates the game percentages.
The next secondary game of interest is a "temperature's rising bonus" game.
This game is centered around an image of a thermometer presented in secondary
display
219. Initially, the thermometer indicates a relatively low temperature. With
each
payout from a machine, the temperature in the thermometer rises by a notch.
Eventually, when the temperature reaches a maximum value, the next win is
accompanied by a bonus such as a large additional pay out or playing credit.
The process of controlling the display screen for the temperature's rising
bonus
game is illustrated in Figure l 1. The process begins at a step 1102 where the
system
displays a temperature bonus screen (typically a thermometer) on secondary
display
219. Next, at a step 1104, the system simply awaits a pertinent event. When
such
event occurs, the system updates the mercury level in the thermometer at a
step 1106.
In this case, the event of interest is a win or payout associated with the
primary
component of the game (e.g., a winning combination on the slot machine reels).
As
noted, this "update" is illustrated by a mercury level rising in the
thermometer by the
number of coins won.
After the mercury level has risen, the system determines at a decision step
1108
whether the temperature's rising bonus has been attained. As noted, this
corresponds
to a certain maximum temperature where the mercury rises to near the top level
within
the thermometer. Upon reaching such bonus situation (decision step 1108 is
answered
in the affirmative), the system causes an animat,~d thermometer video to be
displayed on
the video display screen at a step 1110. This may involve, for example, the
mercury
exploding out of the thermometer and showering money. Appropriate sound may be
provided as well. If decision step 1108 is answered in the negative (the
mercury update
was not associated with a bonus), then process control simply returns ~to step
1104
where the system awaits an appropriate event.
After payout, the system will normally reset to the lowest possible
temperature.
If the final number of bonus degrees awarded is greater than the target number
of
degrees needed for the bonus, the player receives the bonus and the game
resets so that
the new value (temperature) is equal to the remainder degrees awarded that
exceeded the
target number of degrees needed. For example, if the game is at 1900 degrees
and
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
29
2000 degrees is the bonus temperature, and the play awards 200 more degrees,
the
game will reset with 100 degrees showing on the thermometer.
In a preferred embodiment, the operator will be able to set the number of coin-
out points (degrees) needed to win and the bonus win amount. The machine will
5 automatically calculate the game percentages based upon the operator's
parameters set.
In addition, certain events such as insertion of a player tracking card of a
particular
priority or the time of day will automatically cause these parameters to
reset. The
changed parameter may be specified on the secondary display by flashing the
new
amount when the card is inserted, for example.
10 The next secondary game of interest is referred to herein as a "double
diamond
mine bonus" game as depicted in Figures 12A and 12B. In this game, the
secondary
display screen 219 depicts three carts 1215x, 1215b, and 1215c for carrying
diamonds
1217. It also depicts three chutes 1219x, 1219b, and 1219c above the three
carts for
storing the diamonds 1217. Each of these three cart/chute combinations
corresponds to
15 one of the three reels of main display 220. Any time that a diamond appears
on any reel
of the slot machine, a diamond icon is delivered to the chute corresponding to
that reel.
The object of the game is to fill any given chute with a certain maximum
number of
diamonds such as 9 diamonds. When this situation occurs, an extra payout or
credit is
given to the player.
20 As illustrated in Figure 12B, the system controls secondary display 219
during
a double diamond mine bonus~game according to a defined process flow. The
system
initially displays a diamond mine bonus screen indicating that the player is
in the bonus
mode (see step 1202). Thereafter, the system simply waits for the appropriate
event
which is the result of a slot machine play as indicated at a step 1204. Next,
the system
25 determines whether there are any diamonds on any of the reels at the end of
that play
a step 1206. If not, process control simply returns to step 1204 where the
system wa:.~
for the next play. If on the other hand, the system determines at decision
step 1206 that
there was in fact one or more diamonds displayed in the main display, then a
diamond
is rolled down the proper chute as depicted on secondary display 219 in a step
1208.
30 Next, the system must determine at a step 1210 whether the player has hit a
bonus. As indicated above, this occurs when any chute has a certain number of
diamonds. Assuming that the user has hit a bonus (decision step 1210 is
answered in
the affirmative), secondary display 219 depicts all of the diamonds in the
chute
associated with the diamond chute dropping into the cart and rolling away as
indicated
35 at a step 1212. Thereafter, process control returns to step 1202. If
decision 1210 is
answered in the negative (a bonus was not hit when a diamond appeared in a
reel),
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
process control is simply returned to step 1204 where the system waits for the
next
event.
A related but slightly more involved game is a "wild cherry pie" game as
illustrated in Figure 13A. This game provides a bonus when a cherry pie 1321
5 (displayed on the secondary screen) is completely filled with cherries 1319.
In a
preferred embodiment, the pie contains nine sections, each having space for
six
cherries. When the nine sections are each filled with six cherries, the bonus
is
awarded.
A cherry is added to the appropriate pie section every time a cherry symbol
10 appears on the slot machine display. The cherry may appear on any of three
slot
machine reels and may appear above, below, or on the pay line. This defines
nine
sectors corresponding to regions of the pie: left reel top, middle, and
bottom, center reel
top, middle, and bottom, and right reel top, middle, and bottom. For example,
when a
cherry symbol 1323' appears below the pay line of the right reel, then a
cherry 1323 is
15 placed in the corresponding right bottom sector of the displayed cherry pie
1321.
Similarly, if a cherry symbol 1325' appears on the left reel pay line, a
cherry 1325 is
placed in the middle left sector of the displayed pie. In a preferred
embodiment, the
number of coins wagered on a particular game will increase the award of
cherries. For
example, if three coins are wagered, and a cherry appears on the payline of
the center
20 reel, three cherries will be added to the corresponding pie sector. In this
manner, the
player can increase the speed at which cherries are accumulated.
When a cherry is added, the corresponding sound and graphic will be presented
simultaneously. If there is a winning combination on the reels that contain a
cherry, the
win amount will roll up on a win meter and then the cherry will be added to
the pie.
25 The process flow for the wild cherry pie game is detailed in Figure 13B.
This
process begins at a step 1302 where a wild cheny pie bonus screen is displayed
on the
secondary display to entice the players. The bonus screen may be a cherry pie -
-
initially without cherries. At a step 1304, the system registers a game play
event.
Next, at a step 1306, the system determines whether there are any cherries
displayed on
30 the reels. If not, process control returns to step 1304. If so, the system
inserts chernes
into the pie at locations corresponding to the reels/pay line in which the
cherries
appeared. This is represented by a process step 1308.
After the cherries have been inserted into the pie, a decision step 1310
determines whether the system has hit a bonus (i.e., the pie is filled with
cherries). If
not, process control returns to step 1304. If so, the system animates a pie
eating
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
31
sequence on the secondary display at a step 1312. After all the cherries have
been
''eaten," the jackpot amount is revealed on the pie tin.
If there is a winning combination on the reels that contain one or more
cherries,
and the pie is filled, then first the win amount from the reels will roll up
on the win
meter, second the cherry or cherries will be added to the pie and a "pie
eating" sequence
will animate, and finally the amount shown as won on the pie tin will be added
to the
win meter. Preferably, the game will not reset until the next game is
initiated by a reel
spm.
Another related game displays "racing sevens" (or some other symbol on the
slot machine reels) on the secondary display. There is one racing seven and
one
associated race track lane for each color seven on the slot machine. Thus,
there will
typically be three racing sevens. In a specific example, there are red sevens,
white
sevens, and blue sevens on the three reels. When a seven appears on the
payline, the
colored seven in the corresponding race track lane will race ahead by a
distance
depending upon the number of coins played. If one coin is played, the seven
races
ahead by one increment, if two coins are played, the seven races ahead by two
increments, etc. Preferably, the racing movement is accompanied by an engine
revving
sound.
When one of the sevens reaches the end of the race track, a bonus is paid. In
one specific embodiment, the sevens must increment thirty times (e.g., thirty
coins).
Further, the bonus may bemade to depend upon which seven wins the race. In a
specific embodiment, the bonus amount is ten coins for a blue victory, twenty-
five
coins for a white victory, and two hundred coins for a red victory.
If a particular seven advances two more times during the same game (because
two or more coins are being played), the second and third seven will be
displayed as a
"ghosted" trail behind the first seven until the next game is played. Once a
spin is
actuated for the next game, the ghosted sevens will disappear into the first
seven.
If there is a winning combination on the reels that contain sevens, and the
race
is won, then ( l ) the win amount from the reels will roll up on the win
meter, (2) the
sevens will increment and a race won sequence will animate, and (3) the amount
won
from the race will be added to the win meter.
Any of the above bonus games could be played with an additional option of the
type employed in IGT's "Wheel of Fortune" games. In these games, the slot
machine
is equipped with a "bonus wheel." In some cases, the player must spin (or
otherwise
actuate) the wheel to determine the jackpot award. In other cases, the player
has the
CA 02238678 1998-OS-26
32
opportunity to choose to spin after specifically identified combinations
appear on the
payline. A spin of the wheel allows the player to increase or decrease the
payout
defined on the machine paytables. If the wheel stops on a sector having an
increased
payout, the player's winnings are 'increased over the value displayed on the
pay table.
S If the wheel stops on a sector having a decreased payout, the player's
winnings are
reduced by an amount specified on the sector. On average, over many plays, the
payout should equal the amount specified by the pay table. However, any given
payout
may be increased or decreased according the to the wheel spin. The wheel may
be
provided as a mechanically spinning feature visible from the slot machine
exterior.
10 Alternatively, it may be displayed on secondary dispiay 219 or some other
display
provided on the system.
In the above-described bonus games, the bonus award can be increased or
decreased depending upon a wheel spin by the player. Thus, for example, should
the
player win a times pay bonus as described above, he or she could increase the
value of
15 the associated award by spinning a wheel. For example, the multiplier
amount could be
increased or decreased depending upon the wheel sector selected at the end of
the spin.
In some bonus games, the additional wheel spin may be made mandatory. In
others, it
could be played at the option of the player.
Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for
20 purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain
changes and
modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. For
instance,
while the gaming machines of this invention have been depicted as having up-
right
structures (i.e., the displays are vertically aligned), the use of video
displays in
accordance with this invention is not so limited. For example, the main and/or
25 secondary displays may be provided in a "slant top" machine in which the
displays are
aligned at an ailgle between the vertical and horizontal. The invention may
also be
employed with a "bar table" design in which one or more displays is provided
in a
horizontal table or counter top. Further, touchscreen LCD panels may be
utilized to
increase the functionality of the secondary display and to simplify use for
the player.
30
