Abstract: A multidimensional sound system coordinates the playback of audio streams on a device that outputs more than one video stream simultaneously. The system provides a method for splitting and directing sound so that multiple users viewing multiple content streams on a single device can hear audio relevant to the video content they wish to view. The system also provides methods directed to allowing users to share audio relevant to their respective video streams with other users on the same device, and allows users to reject such sharing requests.

Abstract: A reel assembly for a gaming machine is disclosed. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, alignment of the center lines of the symbols can be accomplished without the need to remove the reel assemblies from the gaming machine. The reel assembly includes a two piece motor mount assembly that carries a stepper motor and a lamp assembly. The two piece motor mount assembly includes a fixed mounting ring that is rigidly secured to a fixed reel assembly support and a rotatable mounting ring that is rotatable with respect to the fixed mounting ring. The rotatable mounting ring is interlocked with fixed mounting ring to enable rotation of the rotatable mounting ring, for example, by way of a tongue and groove arrangement with respect to the fixed mounting ring. The lamp assembly is also mounted to the rotatable mounting ring.

Abstract: A reel control system eliminates known problems with reel mechanisms used in gaming machines. First of all, phase setting of the reel position is greatly simplified. The control system also provides a relatively accurate method for determining if a reel position has moved from a standstill position, due to low power, no power or outright tampering. Any movement of the reel can be corrected. The reel control system includes multiple serial bus interfaces connected to a single serial bus that can be connected to multiple stepper motor drivers which provide for fast response time to commands. The reel control system can drive multiple stepper motor drivers configured with the same physical address to reduce manufacturing costs and is further configured to simultaneously drive multiple reels, different distances, different directions, with different numbers of symbols per reel as well as drive different types of reels.

Abstract: A reel control system eliminates known problems with reel mechanisms used in gaming machines. First of all, phase setting of the reel position is greatly simplified. The control system also provides a relatively accurate method for determining if a reel position has moved from a standstill position, due to low power, no power or outright tampering. Any movement of the reel can be corrected. The reel control system includes multiple serial bus interfaces connected to a single serial bus that can be connected to multiple stepper motor drivers which provide for fast response time to commands. The reel control system can drive multiple stepper motor drivers configured with the same physical address to reduce manufacturing costs and is further configured to simultaneously drive multiple reels, different distances, different directions, with different numbers of symbols per reel as well as drive different types of reels.

Abstract: An opto-mechanical trackball assembly is disclosed with increased functionality. In accordance with an important feature of the invention, a plurality of polychromatic light sources, such as polychromatic LEDs (also known as RGB LEDs), are spaced apart and disposed adjacent the trackball. Such polychromatic LEDs can provide up to 256 colors as well as allow the intensity of the light emitted from the trackball to be controlled. In addition, sequencing the turning on and off of spaced apart polychromatic light sources can be used to simulate movement of the trackball to raise the level of interest in the game, for example, during periods when the game is not being played. The polychromatic LEDs can also be used to create a light show of different colors to draw interest to the game during periods of inactivity. In one embodiment of the invention, the polychromatic light sources are configured for use in arcade/casino games that accommodate multiple users.

Abstract: A reel control system is disclosed for eliminating known problems with reel mechanisms used in gaming machines. First of all, phase setting of the reel position is greatly simplified. The control system also provides a relatively accurate method for determining if a reel position has moved from a standstill position, due to low power, no power or outright tampering. Any movement of the reel can be corrected. The reel control system is also configured with multiple serial bus interfaces connected to a single serial bus that, in turn, can be connected to multiple stepper motor drivers which provides for fast response time to commands. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the reel control system can drive multiple stepper motor drivers configured with the same physical address to reduce manufacturing costs and is further configured to simultaneously drive multiple reels, different distances, different directions, with different numbers of symbols per reel as well as drive different types of reels.