Display and control system for gaming
A display device, for use with a gaming apparatus, having a display face, a movable indicator located on the display face and a movement apparatus including an actuator system for providing multi-dimensional movement to the movable indicator via a slidable bracket, is disclosed. Typically, the actuator system generates movement of the movable indicator (ultimately associated with game play outcomes) along a pathway on the display face via a motor coupled to a spring-loaded tube sleeve connected to the slidable bracket. The display device is capable of providing movement of the movable indicator on the display face in a variety of arrangements, for example, in the form of zigzag, curve, spiral, or loop courses as well as tracking over a non-planar surface, such as hilly terrain.
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This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/944,076, filed on Sep. 15, 2004; and also claims priority of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/503,308, filed on Sep. 15, 2003. All of the above referenced applications are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to actuators for gaming devices, particularly actuators that provide physical movement of game display components in a multi-dimensional fashion, and more specifically, to actuators involving slidable bracket assemblies.
The spread and growth of the gaming industry has been marked by a generally corresponding growth in competition among the gambling establishments. To distinguish one another during the scramble to attract new gaming players while retaining the loyalty of established players, the gaming establishments have created a demand for gaming devices that provide greater stimulating and exciting play compared to prior gaming devices. To meet this need, the purveyors of such gaming devices have put forth gaming devices that can be associated with display devices, which are capable of multiple level sensory stimulation. This multiple sensory stimulation has been found to be particularly effective at both attracting new customers and retaining the loyalty of established players.
Generally, to provide this multiple level sensory stimulation, a display device may utilize at least one communication device (for example, a movable indicator which moves along a pathway; a display which features some motion not otherwise involving a movement along a pathway; and related devices). The display device may use at least one movement apparatus to impart some form of motion, movement or similar aspect to at least one communication device associated with the display device. The movement apparatus may comprise at least one actuator or a set of actuators acting in concert (for example, a drive mechanism), which actually provide the movement or motion. The actuator may comprise at least one propulsion device (for example, a motor) and at least one mechanical device, which converts the movement of the propulsion device into a movement, which may be used to propel or otherwise put a communication device into motion in some fashion. A control system (such as a controller, for example) may used in conjunction with the actuator(s) to govern the activity of the actuator(s) and hence the activity of the communication device(s) as it relates to the activities of any device or implement (such as the gaming device, for example), which is in some form of communication or association with at least one display device.
It appears, therefore, that as demand generally grows in the gaming industry for new types of gaming devices having display devices utilizing motion or movement, there is a corresponding need to provide new types of movement apparatuses (such as actuators, drive mechanisms and related devices), which may provide and otherwise impart new and exciting movement, motion and similar aspects to those communication devices, which may be used in display devices that may be associated with gaming devices.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn one embodiment of the present invention, a gaming device is provided that includes (a) at least one gaming apparatus configured to allow at least one player to place a wager and play at least one game, and (b) at least one display device in communication with the gaming apparatus, where the display device includes at least one display face, at least one movable indicator, and at least one movement apparatus. The movement apparatus includes at least one actuator system having a slidable bracket assembly, and the movement apparatus is configured to provide multi-dimensional movement to the movable indicator in relation to the display face. Alternatively, a plurality of actuator systems may be employed, acting in concert to provide movement to at least one movable indicator.
The actuator system may further include (a) the slidable bracket assembly having a tube sleeve, a bracket slidably coupled at a first end to the tube sleeve and further coupled at a second end to the movable indicator, and a spring mechanism mounted within the tube sleeve that is configured to provide slidable movement to the bracket; and (b) at least one propulsion device coupled to the slidable bracket assembly. The propulsion devices may be selected from the group consisting of motors, pulleys, a rack and pinion and moving belts. Optionally, the gaming device may further include a control system that governs at least part of the operation of the movement apparatus.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a display device having at least one display face, a movable indicator, a display (for communicating game-related information) associated with the display face, and at least one movement apparatus as described above.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a gaming device actuator system is provided having (a) a bracket connected at a first end to a movable indicator, the bracket further slidably coupled at a second end to a tube sleeve, with the tube sleeve also being coupled to a shaft; (b) a spring mechanism configured to provide slidable movement to the bracket and mounted within the tube sleeve; and (c) at least one propulsion device coupled to the shaft, where the shaft is configured to transfer rotational motion provided by the propulsion device. Typically, the shaft will take the form of a drive shaft or that of a threaded shaft in order to transfer motion to the slidable bracket; the shaft may be connected to the tube sleeve of the actuator system via a nut. Optionally, the actuator system may further include a control system to detect the position of the movable indicator (in relation to its progress along the pathway on the display face) and govern at least part of the operation of the propulsion device.
The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do not necessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:
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- the ability to provide visual content that excites and stimulates player during operation of the gaming device;
- the ability to indicate game outcomes, such as prizes, with movable indicators;
- the ability to provide an entertaining movable indicator;
- the ability to move an indicator while meeting various movement and structural requirements;
- the ability to foster anticipation to encourage continued playing of the gaming device;
- the ability to communicate with the player(s) on various operational aspects of the gaming device;
- the ability to provide a level of interest to the player that increases the player retention and brand loyalty;
- the ability to provide the player with a clear concise transmission of gaming information regarding the operations of the gaming device;
- the ability to attract new players to gaming by providing sensory stimulating communications and easy-to-comprehend information regarding the operations of the gaming device; and
- to provide for the potential of increased profitability in the operation of gaming devices featuring movable actuators.
These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification, claims and abstract.
The above description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary of at least one embodiment of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. It is understood that there are additional features of the invention that will be described below and will form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
As shown in
As shown in
The actuator 18 can be comprised of at least one propulsion device 114 (such as a motor) and at least one mechanical device (such as a rack and pinion, a threaded shaft or similar device) that converts the movement of the propulsion device 114 into a movement that may be used to propel or put into motion in some fashion, the communication device 6. A control system (such as controller 140) may used in conjunction with the actuator(s) 18 to govern the activity of the actuator(s) 18 (and hence the activity of the communication device[s] 6) in relation to other activities of any device or implement (for example, gaming device 4), which is utilizing, incorporating or is otherwise in some form of communication with, at least one display device 10.
The display face 12 may generally be further defined by a front surface and a rear surface (or underneath portion). One or more of the surfaces may in part be defined by having at least one pathway defining at least a portion of the movement for at least one movable indicator 40. In at least one embodiment the pathway is an aperture, a slot 50, through which at least a portion of the movable indicator 40 passes. In this manner, the movable indicator 40 may be able to connect to the movement apparatus 15, which is being used to at least propel the movable indicator 40 along at least a portion of the slot 50. Typically the pathway is located proximate to display face 12 and involves a slot opening (such as slot 50) in the display face.
The display face 12 may be generally further defined by at least a second communication device 6 (such as a display 14), which is positioned relative to at least one stop position 16. The number of display faces 12, movable indicators 40, displays 14, stop positions 16, slots 50, actuators 18, and controllers 140 that may be employed by the invention generally depends on the particular design needs and operation protocols for a particular application.
In one embodiment, the travel pathway may be defined by at least one aperture, a slot 50, through which at least a portion of at least one movable indicator 40 can movably pass through the display face 12 to communicate with at least one actuator 18. The slot 50 may be linearly shaped and placed in a generally vertical orientation upon the display face 12.
Movable indicator 40 may comprise at least an indicator display 42 which is attached to one end of a bracket 45 that has a nut 46 (or other threaded device) affixed to its other end. A portion of the bracket 45 passes through the slot 50 to the underside of the display face 12 to generally connect the nut 46, and hence the movable indicator 40, to at least one actuator 18, which is located generally underneath or behind the gaming display face 12.
The display device 10 may be activated, triggered or otherwise controlled by at least one gaming device 4 (either a primary or a supplementary gaming device or both) to substantially communicate or otherwise generally disseminate various information. In at least one embodiment, such information could relate to gaming activities, for example: the awarding of prizes, the termination of an immediate and/or bonus game event, or other gaming action on the occurrence of a pre-defined event(s) occurring in a game.
When the gaming apparatus 4 substantially informs the player, through the display device 10, that a gaming-activated or gaming-based event has occurred, a movement apparatus 15 may be activated, so as to generally impart motion, movement or similar action to at least one communication device 6. The communication device may be a movable indicator 40 which moves relative to a pathway such as the slot 50.
In at least embodiment, as shown in
In the present embodiment, each position stop 16 could have at least one corresponding display 14 to form at least one position stop 16/display 14 set. Several of these sets could be divided into multiple groups, with each group being assigned to generally communicate a specific category of information. In at least one version, all the position stop 16/display 14 sets of the display face 12 are assigned to generally communicate a specific category of information. In at least one version, the displays 14 may further bear some indicia, design or similar marking to communicate a specific category of information upon its selection or activation (for example, gaming information such as to present a winning outcome as a result of a player playing a game on the gaming apparatus).
In one embodiment, one group of stop position 16/display 14 sets may be associated with award notification information (for example, the displays 20 may have indicia of dollars signs to indicate a winning wager). A second group of stop position 16/display 14 sets may be associated with game-terminating notification information (for example, displays 22 may be shaped like a blimp display 34, power line display 32 or cloud display 30). Displays 22 may communicate that the immediate game has ended or terminated through the symbolism of a crash or other grounding of the helicopter as represented when movable indicator 40 shaped like a helicopter is aligned, for example, with cloud display 30.
Various embodiments of the invention could have the communication devices (such as movable indicators 40 and displays 14, for example) utilize a wide variety of communication methodologies. These methodologies could incorporate any appropriate means such as, but not be limited to, visual means (including but not limited to lighting effects, darkening effects, color differentiation, indicia, graphics, three-dimensional depictions and similar displays); and/or auditory means and/or tactile means (such as vibration and changes in surface texture, for example) as limited only by the imagination of the game designers and needs or criteria of the gaming apparatus 4. For example, the communication devices 6 may incorporate LED (light-emitting-diode) meters, CRT (cathode-ray-tube) screens, LCD (liquid-crystal-display) screens and similar devices. In one embodiment, the communication device (movable indicator) may involve a variable display design, such as changing images using an LED meter. The communication devices could incorporate one or more such methodologies simultaneously to communicate information on several levels.
Single Actuators
As shown in
To provide three dimensional movement of the communication device 6 along an x, y and z axis, another embodiment of the invention uses a threaded shaft actuator 110, as generally discussed above, with the exception that the threaded shaft 112 is substantially flexible.
Flexibility of the flexible threaded shaft 130 can be provided by using a variety of means known in the art or that will become known to the art in the future. One such means that could be employed is to substantially have the flexible threaded shaft 130 made from flexible material such as an elastomer.
Another possible means of providing flexibility is to substantially have the flexible threaded shaft 130 be constructed from multiple flexible components. In this manner, the flexible threaded shaft 130 could have a flexible core 132 (such as made from a cable, wire, spring or similar item, for example) around which a flexible thread 134 (an additional cable or wire, for example) is spirally wrapped (
In construction of the flexible threaded shaft 130, it should be noted that when the flexible threaded shaft 130 is bent, the threads of the flexible thread shaft 130 could move closer together on the inside of the bent flexible threaded shaft 130 and spread further apart on the other side of the affected shaft area. Using knowledge known to those skilled in the art, the design of the threads (height, pitch and TPI [turns-per-inch] count, for example) of the flexible thread shaft 130 and the nut 46 (and other dimensions of the invention) should include those tolerances which could allow for the non-binding of flexible threaded shaft 130 when rotating within the threads of the nut 46 (or other suitable threaded device) during operation of the invention.
In order to possibly further facilitate the movement of the communication device 6 (such as movable indictor 40) by a flexible threaded shaft 130, the flexible threaded shaft 130 could set in a open channel 135 (
One possible embodiment of the flexible threaded shaft-based actuator 120 is substantially depicted in
Due to the compact and flexible nature of this flexible threaded shaft-based actuator 120 embodiment, it could be foreseeable that multiple flexible threaded shaft-based actuators 120 could be combined on a single display device 10. In at least one version, it could be possible that the pathways for the multiple flexible threaded shaft-based actuators 120 could possibly have a substantially parallel (or non-parallel) orientation (for example, such as to generally emulate a motorcycle race).
In addition to the physical connection means between movable indicator 40 and actuator 18 as described above, other embodiments of the invention could provide for the movement of a movable indicator 40 that is not in direct physical communication with the actuator 18. These embodiments would utilize magnetic attraction whereby a magnet (not shown) located in the communication device 6 located above the display face 12 would be attracted to a corresponding secondary magnet (not shown) attached to the actuator 18 located below the display face 12. Thus, the magnetic attraction could force the communication device to follow on the top of the display face 12 the pathway below the display face 12 as taken by the moving part of the actuator containing the secondary magnet. This movement would be very similar in manner and operation of music boxes which featured the illusion of rotating figurines of dancers or skaters apparently gliding about on their own power upon the mirrored top of the music box. These means of non-direct communication between communication device(s) 6 and actuator(s) 18, which lack a fixed pathway (such as slot 50), could allow for the creation of at least one pathway on the display device 10 which could be changed during the operation of the invention.
In at least one embodiment, one or more of the displays 14 could also be given movement by the actuator 18, such as a solenoid-based actuator 180, which is shown in
In another embodiment, as an example and with reference to
Similarly, in another embodiment, at least one actuator (for example, a solenoid-based actuator 180) can also be used for generally providing movement of at least one award notification display 20 to substantially communicate various information (such as, that a prize(s) is to be awarded a player). As generally outlined above, the controller 140, in determining that a player is entitled to a prize, could cause the moving indicator 40 to stop at a stop position 16 that is adjacent to an award notification display 20. At that time, the actuator 18 (not shown) in communication with the award notification display 20 could cause the movement of the award notification display 20 (for example, moving the display away from the top surface of the display face 12, moving back and forth relative to the top surface of the display face 12, vibrating the display and similar actions, or various combinations thereof) to communicate information (such as the awarding of a prize won by a player) and generally enhance the excitement of the prize-winning atmosphere.
As denoted generally above, the invention has at least one controller 140, which is used to control various aspects of the activities of the actuators 18. The controller 140 may act in conjunction with a plurality of sensors (not shown in
Once controller 140 determines that at least one communication (for example, to at least one player) is required, the controller 140 causes the appropriate display (such as coordinated movement of one or more communication devices 6) to occur.
The display device 300 in this embodiment could have movable indicator 344, generally depicted as a downhill bicyclist, moving along the length of at least one linearly shaped pathway (such as slot 314). The pathway could have a generally vertical orientation with respect to the display face 310 upon which it is located. As discussed above for other embodiments, a plurality of stop positions 16 could be associated with respective displays 14 to form sets of stop positions 16 and displays 14, which are located substantially proximate to the pathway. The displays 14 could also be comprised of award notification displays 420 and game-terminating notification displays 330. In at least one possible version, the award notification displays 420 could have dollar sign indicia while the game-terminating notification display 330 could have a three-dimensional form representing a tree.
To generally effect communication of information (for example, such as an awarding of a prize), the movable indicator 344 appears in
As shown generally in
Although the display face angle 320 (in at least one embodiment is forty-five degree angle) and design (for example, linear) of the pathway (such as slot 314) substantially confines the movement of the movable indicator 344 to linear movement at a forty-five degree angle, other movements (direction, angle and orientation, for example) for the movable indicator 344 are possible based on the apparatuses and methodologies disclosed within.
The method by which prizes are awarded, games are terminated, or other game-related events are caused to occur in relation to this embodiment could utilize those apparatuses, means and methodologies that have previously been discussed with reference to
The rack and pinion actuator 810 may be comprised of a propulsion device 820 (for example, a motor), pinion gear 814 and a rack 812. Activating the rack and pinion actuator 810 substantially causes the propulsion device 820, which is connected to the pinion gear 814, to generally rotate or otherwise turn the pinion gear 814. The teeth of the pinion gear 814 then substantially movably engage the respective teeth of the rack 812, which is generally attached to, associated or otherwise in communication with, the movable indicator 880. When the pinion gear 814 rotates, it generally causes the rack 812, to which the movable indicator 880 is substantially attached, to respectively move away from or towards the pinion gear 814 to thereby propel the movable indicator 880 along at least a portion of at least one pathway (such as slot 816) with which the movable indicator 880 is generally associated.
As disclosed above with other embodiments of the threaded shaft actuator 110, at least one embodiment of the rack and pinion actuator 810 can have one of its components (such as the rack 812) be made from either flexible or non-flexible material. A non-flexible version of the rack 812 may limit a rack and pinion actuator 810 as to the type of movement that it can provide for the communication device 6. A flexible version of rack 812 can be inserted in an open channel (not shown) located below the gaming display face 12, wherein the open channel can be positioned as a pathway (such as slot 816) having a wide variety of geometric shapes. Additionally, the flexible version of the rack 812 can be attached at both ends to provide a closed loop. In this manner, the rack and pinion actuator 810 can provide continuous travel for the associated movable indicator(s) along a looped pathway (not shown).
The movable indicator 880 can be associated with the rack 812 through any one of a multitude of the means known to those skilled in the art or which will readily become known in the future. This would include, but not be limited to the directed physical connection (such as bracket or nut means, for example) and indirect non-physical connection (magnetic means of connection) as discussed above.
As more fully discussed above, display(s) 14, stop position(s) 16, (neither shown in
Combined Actuators
As with the other various embodiments of the invention, a plurality of sets of stop positions 520/displays 522 are generally located on display face 510 relative to the pathway. Of the displays, three could be award notification displays 524 while one could be a game terminating notification display 526 (for example, a two or three dimensional form of a snowman).
As stated above for other embodiments of the invention, the communication of information (for example, the awarding of a prize to a player) could be communicated by having movable indicator 544 to appear to have stopped at a stop position 520 associated with an award notification display 525 (which appears to show the indicia of dollar signs). As stated above for the communication of information for game termination, the movable indicator 544 could be stopped at the stop position 520 adjacent to the game termination display 520 to indicate collision by the movable indicator figure and the game termination display
One possible source for a drive mechanism 17, 600 or 700 may be the Kerk Screw Rail Actuator™ as provided by the Kerk Motion Products, Inc., 1 Kerk Drive, Hollis, N.H., USA 03049. The Kerk Screw Rail Actuator™ can comprise a motor rotated precision rolled lead screw, supported by sealed bearings and contained within a concentric guide rail, driving an integrated nut bushing.
The drive mechanism 600, in at least one embodiment, could be comprised of at least two actuators 18 combined together, a first actuator, generally denoted by reference number 630 and second actuator, generally denoted by reference number 640. As generally depicted, the first actuator 630 is a sliding actuator wherein the second actuator 640 is a flexible threaded shaft-based actuator 120 as discussed above. In other versions, the first and second actuators, 630 and 640 respectively, could be joined with additional actuators 18 which provides a secondary movement to the movable indicator 544 (such as vibration and similar actions).
In this embodiment, the movable indicator 544 is affixed to the first actuator 630 which provides the movable indicator in at least one form of motion (for example, horizontal movement). The first actuator 630 in turn is movably connected itself to the second actuator 640 which provides the first actuator 630 and connected movable indicator 544 with at least a second form of movement (or at least a second form of direction). In this case, the second form of movement is vertical movement.
Although not shown, an additional actuator of a type known in the art or which will be known to the art in the future, could be combined with the drive mechanism 600 to change the orientation or otherwise turn the movable indicator 544 so the front of the movable indicator 544 can always be facing the direction that it is being propelled in by the drive mechanism 600.
The first actuator 630 could be comprised of a base 631, pair of posts 632, a pair of railings 633, a sliding platform 634, and pair of bumpers 635. The base 631 could have a threaded bore (not shown) passing from one side of the base 631 to another side. This threaded bore could movably receive the rotating threaded shaft 642 of the second actuator 640. As the threads of threaded shaft 642 rotate within the threads of the threaded bore, the first actuator 630 and its attached movable indicator 544 could be propelled along at least a portion of the threaded shaft 642.
The base 631 could have a pair of posts 632 located in a generally parallel configuration projecting outward from the top of the base 631. A railing 633 is attached to each of the non-base ends of the post pair 632. Each railing 633 is substantially attached to an end of a post 632 so as to generally orient railings 633 in parallel, planar relationship to one another. The railings 633 could be generally placed at a position far enough from the top of the base 631 so that the sliding platform 634 (to which at least one movable indicator 544 is attached) substantially clears the top of the base 631 and could run the full length of the rails 633 substantially unimpeded.
The sliding platform 634 could have in proximate vicinity to each of its two sides, a bore (not shown) or open channel (not shown) whose cross-section and diameter closely matches the cross-section and diameter of each of the railings 633 to generally allow each open channel or bore to freely receive a railing 633. In this manner, the sliding platform 634 is substantially movably connected to railing pair 633 and can move up and down the length of the railing pair 633.
A movement means (not shown) in the sliding platform 634 comes in movable contact with a portion of the rail pair 633 that is ensconced within the bore or open channels. Such a movement means could be comprised of powered wheel(s) connected to a motor or other propulsion apparatus. In this manner, the turning or rotating of the wheels could respectively draw the railings 633 into the bore or open channel of the sliding platform 634 substantially causing the sliding platform, and hence the attached movable
Alternatively, the sliding platform 634 could be powered by a movement means (not shown) that is similar to those used in printers wherein an elastomeric band (not shown), attached to the sliding platform 634, is moved by mechanical means (pulleys and a motor).
Alternatively, the sliding platform could be freely movable along the railings without being attached to an elastomeric band, motor or similar means. In this manner, the slot 560 (for example, having a zigzag shape, see
An anti-rotation device may be required to substantially inhibit the rotation of the first actuator 630 or movable indicator 544 around the second actuator 640 (such as threaded shaft 642). Such an anti-rotation device could be the slot 560 (shown in
Another suitable anti-rotation device could be a sleeve (not shown) that is fitted to the threaded shaft 642. The sleeve could have a longitudinal slot-shaped opening (not shown) through which a portion of the movable indicator 40 could pass through to movably connect to the threaded shaft 642 of the second actuator 640. The interior of the sleeve should be of sufficient width and depth and other dimensions to substantially freely accommodate that portion of the sliding platform 634 that is in contact with the threaded shaft 642. At the same time, these dimensions could substantially prevent the unwanted rotation of the sliding platform 634 (and hence the first actuator 630) when the threaded shaft 642 rotates, as well as to allow the substantially free and unbinding rotation of the threaded shaft 642 during operation. Other methods of preventing unwanted rotation known to the art or which will become known to the art may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The second actuator 640 in this embodiment could be similar in construction to earlier described embodiments of the flexible threaded shaft-based actuator 120. The second actuator 640 may be held in place relative to the back of the gaming display face 510 by a pair of bushings or bearings 650. Each bushing or bearing 650 could be located at proximate end of the threaded shaft 642. Each bushing or bearing 650 may be attached to the back side of the gaming display face 12 so as to substantially locate and hold the threaded shaft 642 in proper orientation for efficient operations of the gaming display 500.
In one possible version of the second actuator 640, power could be supplied to the flexible threaded shaft-based actuator 120 for the rotation of the threaded shaft 642 by substantially directly connecting a propulsion unit 649 (for example, a motor) to one end of the threaded shaft 642. In at least one version, an indirect means of propulsion could be provided by having at least one primary pulley 616 substantially attached to at least one end of threaded shaft 642. The primary pulley could be linked to at least one second pulley 647 by at least one flexible member 648 (such as a belt, chain or similar device, for example). The second pulley 647 could be generally attached to a remotely located motor 649 (propulsion unit) which is then used to rotate the threaded shaft 642 through the above described linkage. A controller 670, connected to at least the first and second actuators 630 and 640, respectively, could substantially govern the actions of at least one or more of these actuators.
It should be noted that while
If a slot 560 is used (such as when there is generally a direct mechanical connection between movable indicator 544 and the drive mechanism 600) in conjunction with the drive mechanism 600, then the slot 560 may be configured in a wide variety of designs to generally take advantage of the free-flowing multiple direction travel provided by the drive mechanism 600. To further facilitate the movable indicator 544 movement along the slot 560 (see
As discussed above with other embodiments of the invention, a plurality of sensors 662 may be provided to substantially help the controller 670, or any other control methodology or mechanism (not shown), to detect the position of the movable indicator 544 along the pathway.
As generally shown in
As generally depicted in
Projecting outward from the top of the base 731 is a set of support rods 732 held in a generally parallel and planer relationship to one another. One support rod 732 holds the anti-rotation device 735 while the other support rod holds the first threaded shaft 742 and the propulsion device (which could be directly connected to one end of the first threaded shaft 742).
The support rod 732 holding the anti-rotation device 735 could have each end of the support rod connect to an end of the anti-rotation device 735. In the present embodiment, the anti rotation means 735 could be a bar, a portion of which is in substantially movable contact with the underside of the display face 510. As noted above, other anti-rotation devices may be substituted for or used in conjunction with the present anti-rotation device 735.
The second support rod 732 could be attached to the first threaded shaft 733 and propulsion device 734 by affixing one end of the supporting rod 732 to the propulsion device 734 and movably affixing the other end of the supporting rod 732 to the non-propulsion device end of the first threaded shaft 733.
The pair of support rods 732 substantially lifts and supports the anti-rotation device 735, the primary threaded shaft 733, and the primary motor 734 (propulsion device) generally away from the top of the base. This generally allows the sliding platform 736 (to which the movable indicator 544 is mounted) to substantially ride freely along at least a portion of the lengths of the first threaded shaft 733, and anti-rotation device 735 without substantial interference from the base 731.
The sliding platform 736, in order to allow it to slide, could have two bores (not shown) or two open channels (not shown) one of which is at least partially threaded to movably receive the threads of the primary threaded shaft 733. The other bore or open channel, which is not threaded, reversibly receives the anti-rotation device 735. As the primary threaded shaft 733 rotates, it causes the sliding platform 736 to move along at least a portion of the length of the first threaded shaft 733 and the anti-rotation device 735.
As noted above, the second actuator 740 moves the first actuator 730 along with its attached movable indicator 544. The second actuator 740 has substantially the same format as shown in the embodiment of actuator 640 in
At least one controller 714, in association with a series of sensors 762 for the detection of the movable indicator's 544 position, may generally control the operation of the first and second actuators 730, 740, respectively, of the drive mechanism 700 during the operation of the invention.
Although the display devices of
One Methodology of Operation
One embodiment of the invention's operation is generally depicted in the flow chart of
The Indicating Function loop 912 has three sub functions: Activate Display 916, Activate Moving Indicator Primary Movement 918, and Activate Moving Indicator Supplemental Movement 920. These three subfunctions lead into Placement of Wager step 922. The Gaming Function Loop 930 similarly, has three subfunctions: Activate Display 932, Activate Movable Indicator Primary Movement 934, and Activate Movable Indicator Secondary Movement 936. Each of subfunctions leads into Win Step 938 which leads back to the Placement of Wager Step 922. The Win Step 938 can also lead to the Payout Step 940.
The first step of the operation is the Initiate Step 900 wherein the gaming device 4 (shown in
The Reset Step 910 could substantially initiate the resetting of the various elements and operating parameters of the display device 10, including but not limited to communication device(s) 6 (for example, at least one movable indicator 40 and/or at least one display 14) to a predetermined position(s), preset parameter(s) and/or predetermined status(es).
To accomplish the resetting of the movable indicator 40, the controller 140 in at least one embodiment could activate at least one actuator 18 or drive mechanism 600 (in communication with the movable indicator 40) to propel the movable indicator 40 to at least one reset stop position 16 on the gaming display 12. Once the movable indicator 40 had reached the reset stop position, sensor(s) assigned to the position would notify the controller 140 to stop the action of the actuator 18 or drive mechanism 600. In at least one embodiment, the resetting of at least one movable indicator could be accomplished by the activation of an actuator 18 or drive mechanism 600 to place the movable indicator 40 in generally continuous motion.
Similarly, any associated displays 14 in communication with an actuator 18 (for example, solenoid-based actuator 180) could also be reset to their designated reset position in resetting function step 910. Upon completion of the Reset Function 910, the operation would go on to the Indicating Function loop 912.
The indicating function loop 912 could have three subfunctions 916, 918, 920 and a Placement of Wager decision 922. The three subfunctions could be: Activate Display subfunction 916; Activate Movable Indicator Primary Movement subfunction 918; and Activate Movable Indicator Secondary Movement subfunction 920. One or more of the above-named subfunctions could be used simultaneously or sequentially during the game play to provide stimuli to substantially excite participants or others; to generally inform the participants or others on how the indication of winning is accomplished; to substantially provide other communication that is not directly concerned with the actual playing by the participants.
In the Indicating Function Loop 912, the controller 140, in at least one embodiment of the invention, could, without input from a suitable device such as a random number generator or other control systems, generally cause the display device 10 to emit non-wagering stimuli, information or other communication through the simultaneous or sequential activation of one or more above-named subfunctions 916, 918 and 920. At the completion of the activation of one or more of the above subfunctions, the operation could move onto Placement of Wager step 922 where the wager(s) information of the player is accepted.
In the Activate Movable Indicator Primary Movement Subfunction 918, the controller 140 could, without gaming data input from another device or controller subdevice, generally activate or change the operating state of at least one actuator 18 or drive mechanism 600 or any combination thereof resulting in the change of operation, status, activity, pattern of one communication device 6 (for example, a movable indicator 40 regarding its movement along at least a portion of the pathway; a display 22 to popup from the surface of the display face 12). The change could be random or pre-determined depending on the operation requirements of the particular embodiment of the invention. In at least one embodiment, the positioning of the movable indicator 40 would be fed back to the controller 140 or other controlling means by the activation of sensors due to the proximate presence of the movable indicator 40.
Upon activation of the Activate Movable Indicator Secondary Movement Subfunction 920, the controller 140 could affect the operation of additional actuators 18 (not shown) generally associated with a communication device 6 (for example, a movable indicator 40) to generally produce supplemental stimulus (such as vibration, popup movement and similar actions). In at least one embodiment, wherein at least one movable indicator 40 is in motion along it respective pathway, one or more additional actuators 18 could be activated by the controller 140 or other controlling means to cause a figure portion of the movable indicator 40 to popup away from the display surface 12 and then vibrate. After a period of time, the controller 140 or other controlling means would deactivate the vibrating additional actuator(s) 18 (not shown) to stop this secondary activity of the movable indicator 40. Alternatively, the controller 140 or other controlling means could cause the activation of another supplemental or secondary actuator 18 to recede the figurine portion of the movable indicator 40 back to its original position.
Alternatively, or in addition to the above embodiments, a secondary actuator 18 (not shown) could also generally control the orientation of the figure portion of the movable indicator 40 during its travel along the pathway. In this manner, when an actuator 18 or drive mechanism 600 has moved the movable indicator 40 to a certain destination (such as stop position 16) and causes the movable indicator 40 to move in an opposite direction, the additional actuator 18 could orient the designated front of the movable indicator 40 to the new direction of travel that the drive mechanism 600 or actuator 18 will impose upon the movable indicator 40.
Activation of the Activate Display subfunction 916 could cause selected one or more displays 14 enabled with actuators 18 to move or produce other controller-governed stimuli. For example, energized actuators 18 (such as solenoid-based actuators 180) could cause the selected display 14 to vibrate (such as the three dimensional blimp of gaming display 34) and then could project from the display surface 12.
Upon the completion of duties by any of the above subfunctions activated by the Indicating Function Loop 912, the operation could proceed to the Placement of Wager step 922. At this step, wager information for the player(s) is accepted and/or is transmitted to the gaming device 10. If no wager or other is placed/other suitable or desired activity commenced with the gaming device(s) 10 within a certain time or other parameters set by the operator of the invention, then operation proceeds back to the Indicating Function Loop 912. If the input of wager information or other suitable activity associated with the gaming device(s) occurs, then the operation cuts short any initiated activities of subfunctions 916, 918 and 920 before passing onto the Gaming Function Loop 930.
At the Gaming Function Loop 930, the game undertakes those steps (not shown, but known to the art) to generally process any wager information from the Placement of Wager step 922 to determine win, lose or draw for the received wager(s). Upon completion of wager information processing, the Gaming Function Loop 930 could then generally communicate to the player or others the processed wager information.
To effectively carry out this communication, the Gaming Function loop 930 could utilize one or more of the following components: subfunctions 932, 934 and 936; Win step 938; and Payout step 940. The Gaming Function loop's 930 three subfunctions (for example, Activate Display 932, Activate Movable Indicator Primary Movement 932, and Activate Movable Indicator Secondary Movement 936) provide substantially the same communication activities as their three counterpart subfunctions 916, 918 and 920 accomplish for the Indicating Function Loop 912. Additionally, the Gaming Function loop's 930 three subfunctions 932, 934 and 936 could provide the player and others with wager-related information through initiating the activity of at least one communication device 6. Once any activated subfunctions 932, 934, 936 have substantially completed their duties (such as activating or otherwise altering the status or activities of at least one communication device 6 to indicate the winning of a prize, size of the price, loss of wager, and/or gaming information/communication/stimulation, for example) the operation can then proceed to the Win step 938.
The Win step 938 could be a decision: if a gaming device 10 has previously determined or received data that the player(s) has won a prize(s), the operation could move onto the Payout Step 940 for transmitting or otherwise communicating to the winning participant(s) or player(s), the prize(s) or data about the prize(s). If the payer does not receive a prize at this step, the process can loop back to the Placement of Wager step 922. If the process proceeds to Payout Step 940 where the payout is made or credited towards the player, then the operation can process back to the Placement of Wager step 922.
Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.
Claims
1. A gaming device comprising:
- (a) at least one gaming apparatus configured to allow at least one player to place a wager and play at least one game; and
- (b) and at least one display device in communication with the gaming apparatus, wherein the display device comprises: (i) at least one display face; (ii) at least one movable indicator; and (iii) at least one movement apparatus comprising at least one actuator system comprising a slidable bracket assembly, wherein the movement apparatus is configured to provide the movable indicator with multi-dimensional movement in relation to the display face.
2. The gaming device of claim 1 wherein the actuator system further comprises:
- (a) the slidable bracket assembly comprising: (i) a tube sleeve; (ii) a bracket slidably coupled at a first end to the tube sleeve and further coupled at a second end to the movable indicator; and (iii) a spring mechanism mounted within the tube sleeve and configured to provide slidable movement to the bracket; and
- (b) at least one propulsion device coupled to the slidable bracket assembly.
3. The gaming device of claim 2 wherein the propulsion device is selected from the group consisting of a motor, a pulley, a rack and pinion and a moving belt.
4. The gaming device of claim 1 further comprising at least one control system which governs at least part of operation of the movement apparatus.
5. The gaming device of claim 1 wherein the display device further comprises a pathway along which the movable indicator is propelled, the pathway being located proximate to the display face and comprising a slot opening in the display face.
6. The gaming device of claim 5 wherein the pathway comprises a shape selected from one or more of the group consisting of a zigzag, a curve, a spiral, a loop and a non-planar surface.
7. The gaming device of claim 1 wherein the movement apparatus comprises a plurality of actuator systems acting in concert and configured to provide movement to at least one movable indicator.
8. A display device in communication with a gaming apparatus, wherein the display device comprises:
- (a) at least one display face;
- (b) at least one movable indicator positioned proximate to the display face;
- (c) a display associated with the display face; and
- (d) at least one movement apparatus comprising at least one actuator system, wherein: (i) the movement apparatus is configured to provide the movable indicator with multi-dimensional movement in relation to the display face; (ii) the actuator system comprises a slidable bracket assembly coupled to a propulsion device; and (iii) the slidable bracket assembly is further coupled to the movable indicator.
9. The display device of claim 8 wherein (a) the slidable bracket assembly comprises a tube sleeve with a spring mechanism mounted therein, and a bracket slidably coupled to the tube sleeve, the bracket further coupled to the movable indicator, and (b) the slidable bracket assembly is coupled to the propulsion device via a threaded shaft.
10. The display device of claim 8 wherein the propulsion device is selected from the group consisting of a motor, a pulley, a rack and pinion and a moving belt.
11. The display device of claim 8 further comprising at least one control system which governs at least part of operation of the movement apparatus.
12. The display device of claim 8 further comprising a pathway along which the movable indicator is propelled, the pathway being located proximate to the display face and comprising a slot opening in the display face.
13. The display device of claim 12 wherein the pathway comprises a shape selected from one or more of the group consisting of a zigzag, a curve, a spiral, a loop and a non-planar surface.
14. The display device of claim 8 wherein the display associated with the display face comprises indicia to communicate a winning outcome as a result of a player playing a game on the gaming apparatus.
15. The display device of claim 8 wherein the movable indicator comprises a variable display design further comprising a light-emitting-diode meter.
16. A gaming device actuator system comprising:
- (a) a bracket slidably coupled at a first end to a tube sleeve, the bracket further coupled at a second end to a movable indicator, and the tube sleeve further coupled to a shaft;
- (b) a spring mechanism mounted within the tube sleeve, the spring mechanism configured to provide slidable movement to the bracket; and
- (c) at least one propulsion device configured to provide rotational motion, the propulsion device coupled to the shaft, the shaft being configured to transfer rotational motion.
17. The actuator system of claim 16 further comprising a controller configured to detect a position of the movable indicator and to control at least a portion of operation of the propulsion device.
18. The actuator system of claim 16 wherein the propulsion device is selected from the group consisting of a motor, a pulley, a rack and pinion and a moving belt.
Type: Application
Filed: May 12, 2005
Publication Date: Dec 8, 2005
Applicant: Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc. (Pleasantville, NJ)
Inventors: Jerald Seelig (Absecon, NJ), Lawrence Henshaw (Hammonton, NJ)
Application Number: 11/129,195