Single source visual image display distribution on a gaming machine

ES 2 315 919 T3

DESCRIPTION

Distribution of the display of a single source visual image on a gaming machine.

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to gaming machines and systems, and more specifically, to the display of visual and video images on or near gaming machines and systems.

Background

Casinos and other forms of gaming systems are part of a growing multibillion dollar industry in which floor space has a maximum value, which is why the newer, more popular and increasingly sophisticated games and machines are preferred over the older and less popular. For example, the casino and gaming industries have undergone a pronounced shift in recent decades, shifting not only from the predominance of table games to that of gaming machines, but also because the use of fully mechanical gaming machines has passed. to gaming machines based on electronics and microprocessors. In a typical gaming machine, such as a video poker or slot machine, the game is first started with the bet of an amount of money or credit by a player, after which the gaming machine determines the outcome. of the game, presents the outcome of the game to the player and then potentially dispenses a reward of some kind, including a monetary reward, which is dependent on the outcome of the game. Although this process is generally true for both mechanical and electronic gaming machines, electronic machines tend to be more popular with players, and therefore more lucrative for casinos for a number of reasons, such as more varieties of games. more engaging and dynamic games, presentations, and the ability to award jackpots.

Electronic and microprocessor-based gaming machines can include a number of hardware and software components that provide a wide variety of game types and capabilities for playing games, being generally well known in the art. these hardware components and software. A typical electronic gaming machine comprises a central processing unit ("CPU") or master game controller ("MGC") that controls various combinations of hardware devices and software and components that encourage gaming, allowing a player play a game on the gaming machine and control the payouts and other prizes. Software components include, for example, startup and initialization routines, various game programs and subroutines, credit and payment routines, image and audio generation programs, various component modules, and a random number generator, among others. others. Exemplary hardware devices may include bill validators, coin acceptors, card readers, keyboards, buttons, levers, touch screens, coin hoppers, ticket printers, player tracking units, and the like.

In addition, each gaming machine may have various audio and display components that may include, for example, speakers, display panels, top and skirt mirrors, artwork in the exterior cabinets, lights and dioramas in the top boxes, as well as any number of different types of video displays to display the game and any other related information, including such types of video displays, for example, a cathode ray tube ("CRT"), a liquid crystal display ("LCD"), a light emitting diode ("LED"), a flat panel display and a plasma display, among others. Apparatus and methods for providing displays on gaming machines and / or in a casino are generally well known, and examples of such apparatus and procedures can be found, for example, in US Patent Nos. 5,971,271; 6,135,884; 6,251,014; and 6,503,147.

Various procedures for gaining interest in and maintaining the game include designing and providing game machines with intriguing and different themes, types of games, artwork, visualizations, sounds, and the like. An attractive feature for many gamers is the use of three-dimensional graphics or displays on a gaming machine, particularly when such displays are integrated with the game and / or other presentations relevant to a player. Such displays and presentations tend to be relatively spectacular, attractive and appealing to players, prospective players and walkers and the like. As is the case in the electronic age in many image, video and graphics displays, attractive but complex 3D representations can be programmed by a number of different advanced processors and adjunct devices for generation and display. Preferable devices may include high resolution LCDs as well as flat panels and plasma displays, among others, as will be readily appreciated.

Unfortunately, many forms of graphics or three-dimensional representations and other similar complex graphics are extremely demanding in terms of the amounts they require of electronic storage space, processing capacity and high resolution displays with the latest technique. . As a consequence, many gaming machines do not provide such three-dimensional displays or other complex graphical representations, and those that do tend to be considerably more expensive compared to typical electronic gaming machines. Other issues that arise when complex displays may be required or desired for a particular gaming machine or for a line of gaming machines include the ability to represent multiple views of one or more games simultaneously on a single gaming machine, a

ES 2 315 919 T3 corresponding need or desire for multiple displays on or around a single gaming machine, as well as increased cooling and space requirements, where many displays and other energy consuming devices are used on a single gaming machine. play.

Although existing systems and procedures for displaying visual and / or video images on a gaming machine have been satisfactory, improvements are usually welcome and encouraged. Therefore, it is desirable that new and improved gaming machine display systems and methods have inexpensive but attractive and innovative displays .

A gaming machine according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from US 2002/151360 A1.

US 6,782,281 B1 shows a portable telephone set comprising a reversible liquid crystal display.

Summary

An advantage of the present invention is to provide improved systems and methods for presenting displays on or near a gaming machine or gaming system. This is accomplished in many embodiments by providing within or near a gaming machine, at least one "reversible" display device that is adapted to present multiple visual images from a single source, such as an LCD cell or other core display component. Such visual images can be repeatable or they can be "still" images and / or video streams, as will be readily appreciated. In this manner, multiple displays can be provided on or near a gaming machine or gaming system without requiring a separate CRT, LCD, flat panel display, plasma screen, or other conventional display device for each such display.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the disclosed systems and methods include a gaming machine adapted to accept a bet, play a game based on the bet, and award a payout based on the outcome of the game. This gaming machine may include an outer housing arranged to contain a plurality of internal gaming machine components, an MGC adapted to control one or more aspects of the game, a reversible display device configured to display multiple visual images from multiple surfaces, and one or more optical devices adapted to redirect at least one of these visual images so that it is not displayed directly from the liquid crystal display cell. In addition to controlling various aspects of the game, the MGC may also be in communication with and control one or more aspects of the various internal components within the game machine. The reversible display device may be in communication with the MGC, it may be located within or near the outer housing of the gaming machine, and it may have a plurality of virtual curtains that are adapted to toggle between blocking and allowing the display of various images. visuals.

In a particular embodiment, the reversible display device is an LCD configured to show a first visual image from a first surface and a second visual image from a second surface opposite the first surface. In addition to the virtual curtains, this LCD has an LCD cell and various lighting components, all of which are arranged so that light is reflected into and through the LCD cell in one direction to show the first visual image in the first. surface, and then in an opposite direction to show the second visual image on the second surface. This may include a repeated pattern of darkening or 'closing' of a virtual curtain on a blocked surface and brightening or 'opening' of another virtual curtain on the displayed surface, along with coordinated on and off of the lamps or lighting component in whatever way is appropriate. When repeated at a "sequential rate" of an appropriate number of frames per second, a single LCD cell can be arranged to display multiple visual images in different directions, such as on both the first and second surfaces of the LCD. These multiple visual images can be the same image or completely different, and can be repeating still images, video streams, or a combination of both.

Video display devices other than LCD can also be used, and other such devices can include an LED, a plasma screen, a field emitting screen, a digital light process screen, and an electro-luminescent screen. , among other. Other such display devices preferably have a cell or similar core display component, and may also utilize virtual curtains on multiple surfaces that alternate between blocking and displaying the contents of the cell or other display component. In the event that the lighting sources need to be separate, such as for an LCD, then such lamps or lighting components can be similarly provided. When the cell or core display component is self-illuminated, such as an LED or EL display, then additional lamps or lighting components may not be necessary.

In another particular embodiment, a game system is provided. This gaming system includes a plurality of input and output devices adapted to accept bets, play games, and grant payments based on the results of the games. An MGC is in communication with at least one of these input and output devices, and is adapted to control one or more aspects of the game, and at least one single reversible display device in

ES 2 315 919 T3 communicated with the MGC and configured to display multiple visual images of game events from multiple surfaces to one or more players. In one case, a visual image of a game event is shown from one surface to a player at a given viewing position, while another visual image of a game event is shown from another surface opposite the first surface, to another. player in another viewing position separate from the first given viewing position. As in the previous embodiment, this reversible display device may have an LCD cell or other core display component, as well as a plurality of virtual shades adapted to alternate between reflecting light on the LCD cell or other core display component and allow the light from the LCD cell or other core display component passes through and is displayed. One or more lighting components can also be included, if necessary. In addition, one or more optical devices can also be included, if so desired.

In yet another embodiment, a method is provided for displaying visual images on a gaming machine adapted to accept a bet, play a game based on the bet, and award a payout based on the outcome of the game. This procedure may include the steps of providing a gaming machine having a reversible display device that is similar or identical to those described above, communicating various visual images to an LCD cell or similar core display component, opening and closing different virtual curtains so that light from the LCD cell, or other such component, may or may not pass substantially through it as appropriate, and displaying the various visual images at various time intervals from their respective display device surfaces while the various virtual curtains are in the appropriate states for such displays. In a particular embodiment under this procedure, such a process may include opening a first virtual curtain so that light can pass through it, closing a second virtual curtain so that light cannot substantially pass through it, and displaying a first visual image for a first time interval from a first surface of the reversible display device while the first virtual curtain is open and the second virtual curtain is closed. This particular embodiment may also include the steps of closing the first virtual curtain, opening the second virtual curtain, and displaying a second visual image for a second time interval from a second surface from the reversible display device while the first virtual curtain is closed and the second virtual curtain is open. Preferably, the second time interval does not overlap the first time interval. This process can then be repeated for a sufficient number of cycles per second, so that the first and second images can appear as being continuously displayed on the two different surfaces. Various additional steps may also be included, such as providing one or more optical devices inside said gaming machine, and arranging such an optical device or devices to redirect a visual image so that it is not viewed directly from the display device.

In more detailed embodiments, the optical device or devices may include a lens or a mirror, such as a parabolic mirror adapted to redirect and enlarge a visual image. Such a lens, mirror or set of lenses and / or mirrors can be adapted so that the first and second visual images can be viewed simultaneously by the same viewer or in the same viewing position regardless of any relative orientation of the surfaces. of the original display device respectively to each other. One visual image can be displayed in a given viewing position directly from the LCD or other reversible display device, while the other visual image is redirected by one or more mirrors, lenses, or other optical devices so that it can also be viewed at that. given display position. This other visual image can be enlarged, reduced, inverted, reversed, rotated, or otherwise distorted by the optical device or devices. On some occasions, these visual images can be placed adjacent to each other. In such cases, the control of these visual images can be coordinated to create at least one coherent combined scene, character, icon or other image that encompasses at least a portion of both visual images.

Other detailed embodiments include provisions for different visual images from the same reversible display device showing separate and unrelated game events that are being played simultaneously by different players. Such separate and unrelated gaming events can be controlled by the same MGC of a single gaming machine. In other detailed embodiments, these different visual images from the same reversible display device can show the same game event. This may involve the same image being displayed in multiple positions, or it may involve different visual representations of the same game event, such as in the case of a poker hand in which the cards for a given player can only be seen in the game. view attributed to that player.

In accordance with still further detailed embodiments of the present invention, which may include some or all of the steps or features of one or more of the foregoing general or detailed embodiments, the systems and procedures shown may include the provision of multiple LCD cells or Similar core display components within a single reversible display device. In such cases where two LCD cells or similar core display components are used, these components may be located adjacent to each other so that the light passing through both forms a combined image of the separate visual images displayed. for each cell or similar component. Separate visual images can be simultaneously displayed from one surface to form a resulting combined image that appears to be three-dimensional. These visual images can be designed so that there is no overlap in any image portion with respect to both visual images. More than two LCD cells or similar core display components can be used in a similar way to increase depth and other effects.

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In such embodiments where multiple LCD cells or other similar core display components are used, additional procedural steps may include communicating a third visual image to the added LCD cell or similar component, and displaying that third visual image from the first surface. of the reversible display device during the first time interval while the first virtual curtain is open and the second virtual curtain is closed. The first and third visual images can be displayed simultaneously from the first surface of the reversible display device, such that the third image overlaps at least a portion of the first image to form a combined image, which can then appear as three-dimensional. Additional steps may involve communicating a fourth visual image to the added LCD cell or similar core display component, as well as displaying that fourth visual image from the second surface of the reversible display device during the second time interval while the first virtual curtain is closed and the second virtual curtain is open. More additional steps can therefore be added for more LCD cells or the like.

Other methods, features, and advantages of the invention are or will be apparent to a person skilled in the art upon examination of the figures and detailed description that follow. All such additional procedures, features, and advantages are intended to be included in this disclosure, to be within the scope of the invention, and to be protected by the appended claims.

Brief description of the drawings

The included drawings are for illustrative purposes only and serve only to provide examples of possible structures and process steps for the systems and methods of the invention disclosed to provide multiple visual images on a gaming machine or gaming system. These drawings in no way limit any change in form or detail that may be made to the invention by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary gaming machine.

Figure 2A illustrates an exploded, partially cut-away perspective view of an exemplary reversible liquid crystal display device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2B illustrates in laterally enlarged cross-sectional view, the exemplary reversible liquid crystal display device of Figure 2A.

Figures 3A and 3B illustrate perspective views of exemplary specialized gaming machines in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate partially cutaway side cross-sectional views of exemplary arrangements of a reversible display device and associated optical devices in a specialized gaming machine, such as that shown in Figure 3A, in accordance with various embodiments. of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a partially cutaway side cross-sectional view of an exemplary arrangement of a reversible display device and associated optical devices in a specialized gaming machine such as that shown in Figure 3B, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7A illustrates a perspective view of yet another exemplary specialized gaming machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7B illustrates a partially cutaway side cross-sectional view of the exemplary specialized gaming machine of Figure 7A.

Figure 8A illustrates an exploded, partially cut-away perspective view of an alternative exemplary reversible display device having two display cells in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8B illustrates an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the alternative exemplary reversible display device of Figure 8A.

Figure 9 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary network infrastructure for providing a gaming system having one or more exemplary specialized gaming machines in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 10 and 11 provide an extended flow chart of an exemplary method for displaying multiple visual images from a single source on a specialized gaming machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

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Detailed description

Exemplary applications of systems and procedures in accordance with the present invention are described in this section. These examples are provided solely to add content and to aid in understanding the invention. Thus, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention can be practiced without any or all of these specific details. In other cases, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. Other applications are possible, so the following example should not be taken as final or limiting, either of scope or provision. In the detailed description that follows, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the description and in which specific embodiments of the present invention are shown by way of illustration.

An advantage of the present invention is the introduction of inexpensive but attractive and innovative displays in or near a gaming machine or gaming system. This is achieved in part by presenting multiple visual images on or near a gaming machine from a single source on the gaming machine. A single source of this type may be a reversible display device or an LCD cell or other similar core display component within the reversible display device, this single source or reversible display device being adapted to display visual images on multiple different surfaces. Again, such visual images can be repeatable or they can be "still" images and / or video streams, and multiple displays can be provided without requiring a CRT, LCD, flat panel display, plasma display, or other separate device for each. display of this type.

Another advantage of the apparatus, systems and method shown is the ability to reduce the corresponding volume and space and cooling requirements for one or more display devices in or near a gaming machine relative to the display area of ​​the display device. . In particular, the space and cooling requirements for a given display or set of displays can be reduced by half, or more, by using a single display device that is adapted to provide multiple visual images for multiple display screens or projections. As a consequence, yet another advantage that can be realized with the present invention is that a single display device can be made to display two completely different games or different display screens, as well as different views of the same game on different display screens. A different game or set of games of this type can be controlled by a single CPU or MGC, this MGC and all other devices, displays and components belonging to a single gaming machine.

Still another advantage of the present invention is the reduced cost that is associated with a powerful combination of this type of reversible display device and associated multiple visual image distribution systems and methods disclosed herein. In general, a typical reversible display device can be used to provide two displays for about the cost of one display and a half when conventional display devices are implanted. Although the cost of a reversible display device is generally higher than that of a conventional display device, and the cost of any additional devices and optical components that may be required must also be taken into account, these added costs may only represent about half of the cost. cost of a separate added conventional display device, so that the use of the apparatus and methods of the present specification can be proven to be extremely cost effective, particularly when two displays are desired.

Although the present invention is primarily directed to gaming machines and systems, it should be noted that some of the apparatus, systems, and methods disclosed in the present specification may be adapted for use in other types of devices or environments, so that their use is not restricted exclusively to gaming machines and content. Other adaptations of this type may be readily apparent upon review of the devices, systems, and methods of the invention that are illustrated and discussed herein. The remainder of the detailed description in the present specification first provides general explanations of gaming machines and reversible display devices, such as a reversible LCD. Following this, specific embodiments of specialized gaming machines and optical configurations are provided, after which a specific variety of a multi-cell reversible display device is provided. The following are exemplary system and network configurations. Finally, a method is provided for displaying multiple visual images from a source on a gaming machine.

Gaming machines

Referring first to Figure 1, an exemplary gaming machine is illustrated in perspective view. The gaming machine 10 includes a top box 11 and a main cabinet 12, which generally surrounds the interior of the machine (not shown) and is viewable for users. This top box and / or main cabinet together or separately may form an outer housing adapted to contain a plurality of internal gaming machine components therein. The main cabinet 12 includes a main door 20 at the front of the gaming machine, which preferably opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming machine. Attached to the front door are typically one or more player input switches or buttons 21, one or more coin or credit acceptors, such as a coin acceptor 22 and a bill or ticket validator 23, a coin tray 24 , and a skirt mirror 25. Viewable through the front door 20 is a primary video display monitor 26 and one or more information panels 27. The primary monitor 26 of

ES 2 315 919 T3 video display will typically be a cathode ray tube, high resolution flat panel LCD, plasma / LED display or other suitable type of video monitor. Alternatively, a plurality of game reels may be used as a primary gaming machine display in place of display monitor 26, such game reels preferably being electronically controlled, as will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The top box 11, which typically rests on top of the main cabinet 12, can contain a ticket printer 28, a keyboard 29, and one or more additional displays 30, a card reader 31, one or more speakers 32, a top mirror 33 and one or more cameras 34, and a secondary video display monitor 35 which, similarly, may be a cathode ray tube, a high resolution LCD flat panel, a plasma / LED screen or any other conventional video monitor or other appropriate type. Alternatively, the secondary display monitor 35 may also be replaced by other displays, such as game reels or physical dioramas that may include other moving components, eg, one or more movable dice, a spinning wheel, or a rotating display. It will be understood that there are many manufacturers, models, types and varieties of gaming machines, that not all such gaming machines include all of the above items, and that many gaming machines will include other items not described above.

With respect to the basic gaming capabilities provided, it will be readily understood that the gaming machine 10 may be adapted to present or play any of a number of gaming events, particularly games of chance involving a player bet and a monetary payment. potential, such as, for example, a bet on a sporting event or general game such as a slot machine, a Keno game, a video poker game, a video blackjack game and / or any other video table game, among others. Although gaming machine 10 may typically be adapted to play live games with a physically present player, it is also contemplated that such a gaming machine may also be adapted to play a game with a player at a remote gaming terminal. Other features and functions may also be used in association with gaming machine 10, and it is specifically contemplated that the present invention may be used in conjunction with such a gaming machine or device that may include any or all additional types of features. and functions. Gaming machines such as these and other variations and types are manufactured by many manufacturers, such as, for example, IGT of Reno, Nevada.

With regard to electronic gaming machines in particular, electronic gaming machines manufactured by IGT are provided with special features and additional circuitry that differentiates them from general-purpose computers, such as laptops or desktop personal computers ( "PC"). Because gaming machines are highly regulated to ensure fairness and in many cases are operative to dispense monetary prizes of millions of dollars, Hardware and software architectures that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers can be implemented in a typical electronic gaming machine in order to meet the security requirements and many stringent regulatory requirements that apply in computer environments. play. An overview of many such specializations in electronic gaming machines in relation to general-purpose computer machines, and specific examples of additional or different components and features found in such electronic gaming machines, will be provided below. .

At first glance, one might think that adapting PC technologies to the gaming industry would be a simple proposition, since both PCs and gaming machines use microprocessors that control a variety of devices. However, due to reasons such as 1) the regulatory requirements that are placed on gaming machines, 2) the harsh environment in which gaming machines operate, 3) safety requirements, and 4) fault tolerance requirements. , adapting PC technologies to gaming machines can be quite difficult. Also, techniques and procedures to solve a problem in the PC industry, such as compatibility and connectivity problems of devices, may not be suitable in the gaming environment. For example, a tolerated failure or weakness in a PC, such as security holes in logic programs or frequent collisions, may not be tolerated in a gaming machine because in a gaming machine, these failures can lead to direct losses. of gaming machine funds, such as stolen cards or loss of income when the gaming machine is not working properly.

As a consequence, one difference between gaming machines and common computers or PC-based systems is that gaming machines are designed to be state-based systems. In a state-based system, the system stores and maintains its current state in non-volatile memory, so that in the event of a power failure or other malfunction, the gaming machine will return to its current state when power is restored. For example, if a player was shown a prize in a game of chance and the power failed before the prize was dispensed, the gaming machine, when power is restored, will revert to the state in which it was indicating the prize. . As anyone who has ever used a PC knows, PCs are not state machines, and a majority of data is normally lost when a function failure occurs. This basic requirement affects the design of the software and hardware of a gaming machine in many ways.

A second important difference between gaming machines and common PC-based computer systems is that for regulatory purposes, the gaming machine logic programs used to generate the game of chance and operate the gaming machine must be designed as static and monolithic to prevent the operator of the gaming machine from cheating. For example, a solution that has been used in the

ES 2 315 919 T3 gaming industry to prevent cheating and meet regulatory requirements, has been to manufacture a gaming machine that can use proprietary processor operating instructions to generate the game of chance from an EPROM or other form of non-volatile memory. The encoding instructions in the EPROMs are static (non-modifiable) and must be approved by a gaming regulator in a particular jurisdiction and installed in the presence of a person representing the gaming jurisdiction. Any changes to any part of the logic program required to generate the game of chance, such as, for example, adding a new device driver that is used by the master game controller to operate a device during the generation of a game of chance, may require a new EPROM, approved by the gaming jurisdiction, to be burned and reinstalled in the gaming machine in the presence of a gaming controller. Regardless of the EPROM solution that was used to gain approval from most gaming jurisdictions, a gaming machine must display sufficient assurances to prevent a gaming machine operator from tampering with hardware and software. in a way that provides the operator with an unfair or even illegal advantage over the player. Code validation requirements in the gaming industry affect designs of both hardware and software for gaming machines.

A third important difference between gaming machines and common PC-based computer systems is that the number and types of peripheral devices used in a gaming machine are not as many as in PC-based computer systems. Traditionally in the gaming industry, gaming machines have been relatively simple in the sense that the number of peripheral devices and the number of functions of the gaming machine have been limited. Furthermore, the functionality of a gaming machine tends to remain relatively constant once the gaming machine has been installed, since it is not often that new peripheral devices and new gaming software are added to an existing operating gaming machine. This differentiates it from a PC, in which the user tends to buy new and different combinations of devices and logic programs from different manufacturers, and then plug or install these new items on a PC to suit their individual needs. Therefore, the types of devices connected to a PC can vary greatly from user to user, depending on individual requirements, and can also vary significantly over time for a given PC.

Although the variety of devices available for a PC may be greater than those for a gaming machine, gaming machines still have unique device requirements that differ from those of a PC, such as device security requirements not normally required for the PCs. For example, monetary devices such as coin dispensers, bill validators, ticket printers, and computer devices that are used to govern the introduction and withdrawal of cash from a gaming machine have security requirements that are not typically found in gaming machines. PC. Many PC techniques and procedures developed to facilitate device connectivity and device compatibility are not geared towards the importance placed on security in the gaming industry. To address some of these issues, a number of hardware / software architectures and components are used in gaming machines that are not typically found in general-purpose computer devices, such as PCs. These hardware / software architectures and components include, but are not limited to, items such as watchdog timers, voltage monitoring systems, state-based software architecture, and supporting hardware, specialized communication interfaces, monitoring. trusted memory and security.

A watchdog timer is typically used in IGT gaming machines to provide a logic program failure detection mechanism. In a normal operating system, the operating logic program periodically accesses the control registers in a watchdog timer system to "reset" the timer. In the event that the operating logic program does not access the control registers within a preselected time frame, the watchdog timer will time out and cause a system reset. Typical watchdog circuitry contains an off-time counter register that can be loaded to allow the operating logic program to set the timeout interval at a certain time interval. A distinguishing feature of some preferred circuits is that the operating logic program cannot completely disable the watchdog function. In other words, the watchdog timer runs from the moment power is applied to the board. IGT gaming computer platforms preferably use various power supply voltages to operate portions of the computer circuitry. These can be generated in a central power supply or locally on the computer card. If any of these voltages go outside the tolerance limits of the circuitry they energize, unpredictable computer operation can occur. Although most modern general-purpose computers include voltage circuitry, these types of circuits only report the status of the voltage to the operating logic program. Voltages out of tolerance can cause software to malfunction, resulting in a potentially uncontrolled condition on the gaming computer. However, IGT gaming machines will typically have power supplies with tighter voltage ranges than what is required by the operating circuitry. Furthermore, the voltage monitoring circuitry implanted in IGT gaming computers typically has two control thresholds. The first threshold generates a logic program event that can be detected by the operational logic program and generate an error condition. This threshold is triggered when the power supply voltage leaves the tolerance range of the power supply, but is still in the operating range of the circuitry. The second threshold is triggered when the power supply voltage leaves the operating tolerance of the circuitry. In this case, the circuitry generates a reset, interrupting the operation of the computer.

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The standard procedure for operating an IGT gaming machine logic program is to use a state machine. Each game function (eg bet, play, result) is defined as a state. When a game moves from one state to another, critical data regarding the game's logic program is stored in a custom non-volatile memory subsystem. In addition, the game history information regarding previous games played, amounts wagered and others of this type, must also be stored on a non-volatile memory device. This feature allows the game to resume operation in the current game state in the event of a malfunction, loss of power, or the like. This is critical to ensure correct bets and credits are preserved. Typically, battery-backed RAM devices are used to preserve this critical data. These memory devices are not used in typical general purpose computers. In addition, IGT gaming computers typically contain additional interfaces, including serial interfaces, to connect specific subsystems internal and external to the gaming machine. Serial devices may have electrical interface requirements that differ from the "standard" EIA RS232 serial interfaces provided for general purpose computers. These interfaces can include EIA RS485, EIA RS422, fiber optic serial, optically coupled serial interfaces, current loop style serial interfaces, and the like. Also, to preserve serial interfaces internally in the gaming machine, serial devices can be connected in a shared, daisy-chain fashion, in which multiple peripheral devices are connected to a single serial channel.

IGT gaming machines can alternatively be treated as peripheral devices of a casino communications controller and connected in a shared daisy chain fashion to a single serial interface. In both cases, the peripheral devices are preferably assigned address devices. In this case, the serial controller circuitry must implement a procedure to generate or detect unique device addresses. General purpose computer serial ports cannot do this. Additionally, security monitoring circuits detect intrusion into an IGT gaming machine by monitoring security switches attached to access doors in the gaming machine cabinet. Preferably, access violations result in suspension of the game and can trigger additional security operations to preserve the current state of the game. These circuits also work when power is removed using a battery backup. In non-powered operations, these circuits continue to monitor the gaming machine access doors. When power is restored, the gaming machine can determine if a security breach occurred while the power was off, such as by means of a logic program that reads the status registers. This can trigger event system entries and additional data authentication operations by the gaming machine's logic program.

Trusted memory devices are preferably included in an IGT gaming machine computer to ensure the authenticity of the software that may be stored in your less secure memory systems, such as mass storage devices. Trusted memory devices and control circuitry are typically designed not to allow modifications to the code and data stored in the memory device while the memory device is installed in the gaming machine. The code and data stored in these devices can include, for example, authentication algorithms, random number generators, authentication keys, operating system kernels, and the like. The purpose of these trusted memory devices is to provide gaming regulatory authorities with a trusted root authority within the gaming machine computer environment that can be tracked and verified as being genuine. This can be accomplished by removing the trusted memory device from the gaming machine computer and verifying the contents of the secure memory device on a separate third party verification device. Once the trusted memory device has been verified as authentic, and based on the approval of the verification algorithms contained in the trusted device, the gaming machine is allowed to verify the authenticity of additional codes and data that may be located throughout the gaming computer, such as codes and data stored on hard drives.

Mass storage devices used in a general purpose computer typically allow code and data to be read and written to the mass storage device. In a gaming machine environment, modifying the gaming code stored on a mass storage device is strictly controlled and would only be allowed under specific maintenance type events requiring electronic and physical enablers. Although this level of security would be provided by the software, IGT gaming computers that include mass storage devices preferably include hardware-level mass storage data protection circuitry that operates at the circuit level to monitor attempts to modify data. in the mass storage device and that will generate error triggers, both from the logic program and from the physical equipment, in the event that a data modification has been attempted without the appropriate electronic and physical enablers being present. In addition to the basic gaming capabilities provided, these and other features and functions serve to differentiate gaming machines into a special class of computer devices, separate and distinct from general-purpose computers.

With respect to the basic gaming capabilities provided, it will be readily understood that gaming machine 10 may be adapted to display and play any of a number of gaming events, particularly games of chance involving a player bet and a potential monetary payout. or of other types, such as, for example, a bet on a sporting event or a general game such as a slot machine, a Keno game, a video poker game, a video blackjack game and / or any other video table game, among others. Although the gaming machine 10 may typically be adapted to play live games with a physically

ES 2 315 919 T3 present, it is also contemplated that such a gaming machine may be adapted to play a game with a player at a remote gaming terminal. Other features, functions, and devices may be used in association with the gaming machine 10, and it is contemplated that the present invention may be used in conjunction with a gaming machine or device that may encompass any or all of these types of features, functions, and devices. additional. An article that is specifically contemplated for use with the present invention involves a gaming machine incorporating a reversible display device, such a device being able to provide multiple visual images instead of a single visual image, as is the case in display devices. conventional.

Reversible display devices

Many conventional display devices, such as a CRT, LCD, LED, and flat panel display and plasma display, in others, are designed so that a single visual image is provided on a display or other final display component. . The use of the expression "single visual image" is intended to include the concept of image in a display or full screen provided by a conventional display device of this type, a typical example being that of the full rectangular screen of most of the devices of commercially available television. Many such displays tend to have a 4: 3 aspect ratio, while others provide a 16: 9 aspect ratio. Other aspect ratios and shapes for such displays or other final display components may be available, although they are not common. In virtually all of these cases, the display screen provides and is itself a single visual image, which is the totality of what is projected or otherwise displayed on the screen.

As a consequence, a reversible display device is one that is adapted to provide multiple visual images on each of two or more such display screens or other final display component. Such a result can be achieved through innovative engineering designs that expand the use of the central display cell or other core display component of a typical display device. Such techniques are thought to be applicable to different types of different display devices, including such device types an LCD, many types of LEDs, flat panel display, a plasma display, a field emission display, a process display screen. digital light, and an electro-luminescent screen (“EL”) among others. In some aspects, the same display device is quite different in that it may contain additional internal components and is adapted to project visual images or screens to multiple discrete surfaces, such as the front side and the rear side of the display device.

A particular example of such a device is shown in Figures 2A and 2B which illustrate different views of the same display device. Figure 2A illustrates in partially cut-away exploded perspective view a reversible LCD device 50 which is adapted to display two different visual images to two different and opposite surfaces. Figure 2B illustrates the same reversible LCD device in an enlarged or "stretched horizontally" side cross-sectional view. It will be understood that these two illustrations are not to scale, and are only presented to show the general relative positions and relationships of the various components of the device. In fact, the view shown in Figure 2B would probably not be so clear if one were to illustrate all components to scale, due to the relative thinness of some components, as will be readily appreciated.

The LCD device 50 includes an outer housing 51 and an LCD cell 52, which may be substantially similar to a conventional LCD cell having various light filtering capabilities, the construction and operation of an LCD cell being known in the display arts. this type. Other components and items that may be substantially similar to those of a conventional LCD device include a front display surface 60, one or more lighting components 70, and a similar display or projection screen or final display component 90. As is generally known, a typical LCD device does not have a cell that is adequately self-illuminating, so one or more lighting elements must be used to shine the light through the cell and onto the final display component. way as the display screen, in order to create the final visual image. Such lighting elements or lighting components 70 may be a series or a cold cathode fluorescent lamp ("CCFL") arrangement, for example, as well as a light tube, light guide plate, or any suitable light source. These CCFLs or other lighting components are preferably located behind the LCD cell 52 so that the applied light will pass through the LCD cell and be projected onto the display screen 90 of the front surface 60. As is generally known, a typical LCD device will have a blackened or shadowed plate or region behind these CCFLs or lighting components to maximize the efficiency of the light provided to shine through the LCD cell and onto the screen.

In addition to these typical LCD standard items, the reversible LCD device 50 also includes a second or rear display surface 61, a second set of CCFLs or other similar lighting components 71, and a second display screen 91, all of which are custom adapted similar to display a visual image projected through the LCD screen cell 52. In order to provide a shadowed or blackened back portion or region suitable for both displays shown on surfaces 90, 91, a pair of "virtual shades" 80, 81 is also provided on the inside of reversible LCD device 50. These virtual curtains 80, 81 can be made with any number of suitable elements and construction techniques, and are preferably adapted to alternate between being blackened or shadowed, so that substantially all light is reflected thereon, and being transparent or clear so that substantially all of the light passes through.

ES 2 315 919 T3

In one embodiment, the virtual curtains 80, 81 may be made of a thin liquid crystal film that is adapted to form a solid blackened or shadowed sheet when energy is applied to the virtual curtain, and to invert to a transparent or clear sheet when energy is withdrawn from the virtual curtain. Alternatively, the energy can remain in a virtual curtain at all times, and the varying signals can indicate when the film in the curtain should be dark or light. Furthermore, solid sheets of shaded or clear covering may not be completely necessary as long as the essential purpose of substantially reflecting the light or passing through the virtual curtain is achieved.

As can be seen in FIG. 2A, LCD cell 52 has been configured to aid in the creation of a visual image containing a video poker hand. As shown, the second or rear virtual curtain 81 has been shaded, the first set of CCFL 70 is on, the second set of CCFL 71 is disconnected, and the first or front virtual curtain 80 has been made light. As a consequence, the visual image containing a video poker hand will be projected through the first clear virtual curtain 80 and will be visible on a first screen 90 on the front display or first surface 60. In order that this visual image of a video poker hand or any other visual image of the subject is visible on the second screen 91 on the rear display or second surface 61, it is preferable that at least four items change. This includes the first virtual curtain 80 turning dark, the second CCFL set 71 turning on, the first CCFL set 70 turning off, and the second virtual curtain 81 turning light. As a consequence, displaying a visual image from cell 52 on the first display surface 60 of reversible LCD device 50 involves the coordinated use of lamps 70, lightened virtual curtain 80, and screen 90. As a consequence, the display of a visual image from cell 52 on the second display surface 61 involves the coordinated use of lamps 71, lightened virtual curtain 81, and screen 91.

Of course, it will be readily apparent that no visual image is projected on screen 90 when virtual curtain 80 is darkened, or on screen 91 when virtual curtain 81 is darkened. In the event that both virtual curtains were transparent simultaneously, it would be possible for the visual images corresponding to the configuration of cell 52 to be seen at the same time on both screens. However, the lighting requirements for such mutual screens make such an option unlikely, since the perception of the array of lights in front of the cell will likely dominate any image projected through the same cell at both ends. On the other hand, it is possible to create the impression that visual images are being displayed simultaneously on both screens by applying standard fast frame animation techniques, the use of which is common in display techniques. For example, the switching between on and off of each set of lighting components and each virtual curtain can be coordinated so that the visual images are displayed back and forth on each opposing display screen alternately.

When the speed of this alternating process is accelerated to an appropriate number of cycles per second, the human eye can see a continuous visual image on a given screen. Such speeds can range from a few cycles to hundreds or thousands of cycles per second, or more. For reference, many conventional CRTs scan visual images onto a screen at a rate of approximately 30 cycles per second, which has been found to be adequate for displaying a fluid visual image of continuous motion or action for most observers. humans. Although such a speed, or even a lower speed may be adequate for current purposes, it is thought that faster speeds are typically of better quality in general when it comes to displaying visual images, and video in particular. A specific example of a faster speed that can be achieved without extreme problems in a system is approximately 60 frames or cycles per second on each screen. In this way, 120 frames or cycles per second in the LCD cell would be necessary to project 60 frames on each of the two opposing screens. As a consequence, even though visual images are typically not displayed on both opposing screens at a given point in time, the practical effect of such a snap frame animation technique is that, for all intents and purposes, two images visuals (ie, first and second visual images) that are being displayed simultaneously on two different display surfaces or screens (ie, first and second).

As will be readily appreciated, the image that is configured to be displayed within LCD cell 52 may be the same visual image that is displayed on both displays, with no adjustment being made between its display on the first surface and on the second surface. In such an arrangement, no change is made to the display configuration within the LCD cell before or during the switching of the CCFLs and virtual curtains, so that the visual image displayed on the first screen 90 is actually displayed as inverse with its display on the second screen 91. Alternatively, the same visual image may be displayed on the second screen 91, with the LCD cell being reconfigured before, during, or after the switching process, to "switch" the visual image within the LCD cell, so that the same image visual left to right is perceived on the second screen 91 with its projection or display there.

As yet another alternative, the LCD cell can be completely reconfigured every half cycle so that a completely different visual image is displayed on the second surface 61 (i.e., screen 91) than that displayed on the first. surface 60 (ie screen 90). For example, while one screen or display surface may display a static image such as an advertisement or a non-movable game or pay table logo, the opposing screen may display a live game being played, a video clip of a stored game that was previously played, a text message, or a video of a movie, television show, sporting event, or any other video content. In fact, both displays can be made to show

ES 2 315 919 T3 separate programming that involves still images, games, videos or any other content, and can effectively appear to work independently of each other, by a simple reconfiguration of the LCD cell in each half cycle of the display process of the type animation by incoming frames. In this way, the two separate screens can be configured to show completely unrelated content, or they can be coordinated to show content that is related, different alternatives thereof being described in greater detail below.

An example of a reversible LCD device application is one that has been developed by Mitsubishi Electric Corp. of Japan. Mitsubishi Electric has developed at least two reversible LCD variations, both of which were demonstrated in February 2004 at its research and development center in western Japan. In the devices shown by Mitsubishi Electric, the structure includes an LCD cell that is sandwiched between two light guiding plates, said light being fed from an LED and reflected by each light guiding plate at a suitable time. This light penetrates the LCD cell and the other light guiding plate, and then presents a visual image on the appropriate screen. Although a conventional light guiding plate is typically not transparent, Mitsubishi Electric has developed and implemented transparent light plates. Using such plates as light sources in this way allows the creation of a similar reversible LCD device. Although the devices demonstrated were generally designed for use in a cellular telephone, similar applications can be scaled up to create large television or monitor size reversible LCD devices.

As previously noted, it is specifically contemplated that other types of displays than an LCD may be used with the reversible displays of the present invention. An example of an alternative type of display that can be used in such an application may include an EL display, such as an organic EL which has several advantages over LCD. A typical EL display contains fine pixels that are several tens of microns in diameter, which by themselves emit light, thus eliminating the need for backlighting as in an LCD device. This feature also allows an EL display to be as thin as a paper, which can result in significant space savings compared to other types of displays. Organic EL displays can be particularly useful since they also typically combine the advantages of a CRT and an LCD in terms of image clarity and stability. Other types of displays that can also be used in such a reversible display device may include specialized LED displays, plasma displays, field emission displays, which are essentially a combination of recent electronics and CRT technologies and treatment displays. digital light, which are adapted to use light control technologies that are typically used in astronomical observatories.

In some cases, such as for a specialized LED or EL display, the core display cell or component is self-illuminating, so that CCFL assemblies or other similar lighting components are not necessary. In other cases, such as for the specific LCD embodiment illustrated and described above, the cell or core display component does not generate light by itself, so one or more separate light sources must be used. When separate lighting components are required to illuminate what is configured to be displayed on the cell component or on the core display, the arrangement and operation of the reversible display device will generally follow that previously described for an LCD type device. . When the cell or core display element is self-illuminating, however, lighting components such as CCFL 70, 71 can be removed from the device, along with the need to alternately turn these lamps or components on and off, as described. higher.

Specialized gaming devices

Turning now to Figures 3A and 3B, a pair of exemplary specialized gaming machines adapted to be incorporated into a reversible display device is illustrated in perspective view. Figure 3A shows a specialized gaming machine 100, which is similar to gaming machine 10 above in that it also includes a top box 111 and a main cabinet 112, one or both of which may comprise an outer housing arranged to contain a number of internal components of the gaming machine. Many features may also be the same or similar to corresponding features on gaming machine 10, such as a front door 120, a skirt mirror 125, one or more speakers 132, an MGC (not shown), and various other devices and game machine peripheral components. As can be seen, however, the primary display of the specialized gaming machine 100 is significantly different from that of the previous gaming machine 10. Instead of a simple and straightforward conventional display device that is implemented as the primary display, the gaming machine 100 has a newer and larger primary display area, which may include a lower section 190 and an upper section 191. Depending on the design of the gaming machine and the details of the display device implementation, there may or may not be a visible bar, divider, or other separation between these primary display sections. Upper and lower sections 190 and 191 may also be located side-by-side, adjacent in some approximations, or positioned in any other relative position or arrangement, as desired. As will be noted in greater detail below, the upper and lower display sections 190, 191 may be display screens or other final display components, and the visual images are preferably projected or otherwise displayed on different surfaces on a display device. reversible, such as the reversible displays discussed above, which will be discussed later, or any other device of this type.

ES 2 315 919 T3

Referring now to Figure 3B, specialized gaming machine 200 is similar to gaming machines 10 and 100 discussed above in that it also includes a top box 211, a main cabinet 212, a front door 220 , a skirt or mirror display 225, one or more speakers 232, an MGC, and various other gaming machine peripheral components and devices. As in the case of the specialized gaming machine 100, however, the display areas of the specialized gaming machine 200 are significantly different from those of the previous gaming machine 10. While gaming machine 200 has a primary display 290 that is more similar to that found in gaming machine 10, gaming machine 200 also contains a secondary display 291 in its upper case, and another display 225 where a mirror standard static skirt would ordinarily reside. This skirted display 225 may simply be a duplicate of the secondary display 291, or it may be a tertiary display adapted to display different content from both the primary and secondary displays 290, 291. Alternatively, the gaming machine 200 may not contain one of the displays. secondary 291 or skirt display 225 so that only the primary display 290 and one other display are present. As in the case of the gaming machine 100, the displays 290, 291, 225 may similarly be screens or other final display components, and preferably represent the visual images displayed from different surfaces on a reversible display device, such as one of the reversible display devices that have been explained above, which will be explained later or any other device of this type.

Although both gaming machines 100 and 200 of Figures 3A and 3B are specialized gaming machines, it will be readily appreciated that a wide variety of devices can be used in conjunction with the inventive apparatus, systems, and methods disclosed herein. descriptive memory. Such other devices may be specialized gaming devices with displays, as well as any other device that can be implemented with a specially adapted reversible display device and / or other optical components, as shown and detailed herein. While it will be understood that such other applications may be used with the systems and methods of the invention disclosed herein, the focus here will be to remain on the examples involving actual gaming machines for the purposes of this explanation.

Turning now to Figure 4, an exemplary arrangement of a reversible display device and associated optical devices in a gaming machine, such as that shown in Figure 3A, is illustrated in partially cutaway side cross-sectional view. As also illustrated in FIG. 3A, the gaming machine 100 contains two display screens 190, 191 that are arranged so that they are adjacent to each other, in this case from top to bottom. Such an adjacent arrangement can produce the creation of what is, in effect, a large display, particularly when the visual images displayed on both of these display screens are coordinated. A reversible display device 150 is positioned such that one of its display surfaces or display screens is directly on the display screen 190 of the gaming machine 100. Of course, an added sheet or piece of glass or plastic may be located directly outside the reversible display device 150, such as within or around the outer housing of the gaming machine, to isolate or protect the actual reversible display device from the game machine. direct contact with players or other external users.

In one embodiment, the reversible display device 150 may be the reversible LCD manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric, as described above. Alternatively, reversible display device 150 may be identical or substantially similar to reversible LCD device 50 discussed above, reversible LCD device 55 to be discussed later, or any other suitable reversible display device that has been adapted to display images. visuals on opposite surfaces of the device. As indicated above, such a device can also be an LED display, a flat panel display, a plasma display, a field emitting display, a digital light treatment display, or an EL display, among others. . This reversible display device 150 preferably is in communication with the MGC of the gaming machine and can also be made to incorporate other components of the display device, such as a touch screen or other input component, the implementation and use of which may be desired in in conjunction with the apparatus, systems, and methods of the invention disclosed in the present specification.

As can be seen, the second top display screen 191 or other final display component of the gaming machine 100 does not display a visual image directly from the reversible display device 150. Rather, this second display screen shows a visual image. from the reversible display device that has been redirected from the rear of the current display device. It will be readily appreciated that such an arrangement of direct and non-direct displays can be reversed simply by positioning the reversible display device 150 on the top display screen 191, as desired. Alternatively, the current reversible display device 150 may be arranged so that none of the displays 190, 191 display a visual image directly from the same display device. In either case, redirection of any visual image can be achieved by implementing one or more associated optical devices, such as mirrors 140, 141, and lens 142.

In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 4, a first mirror 140 is positioned at an angle of approximately 45 ° with respect to the visual image projected or displayed directly from the rear surface of the reversible display device 150. This mirror 140 reflects the visual image to a second mirror 141, which is positioned at an angle of approximately 90 ° to the first mirror 140. The visual image is then reflected from the second mirror 141 to a lens 142 that is interposed between the second mirror and the screen.

Final display ES 2 315 919 T3 191. Of course, additional mirrors can also be used if desired, with the relative placement and angles of all mirrors being adjusted accordingly when more than two mirrors are used. Lens 142 may act as a series or set of lenses, as is practical, and is preferably designed and positioned so that the visual image is enlarged as it passes through the lens or set of lenses, in order to displace any defects. of "tunnel" that can be produced by the distance that the visual image must travel from the display device 150 to the final display screen 191. As will be readily appreciated, the fact that a visual image has to travel from the rear of the display device to the final display screen tends to cause the ultimately displayed image to be somewhat smaller than the originally displayed visual image.

In addition to enlarging this visual image, the lens or lens assembly 142 may also be designed and positioned so as to flip and / or invert the visual image as well. A top-to-bottom visual image inversion may be desirable due to the natural inversion process that occurs through the double reflection of mirrors 140 and 141. Flipping a visual image from left to right may be desirable due to the fact that the reflection from mirrors 140 and 141 will be reversed when these mirrors are simply flat mirrors. Of course, where a complex lens or lens assembly may be perceived as impractical, a simpler single lens could be used when the image does not need to be flipped and / or inverted. This can be achieved by using one or more appropriate curved mirrors in place of or in addition to simple flat mirrors 140, 141. Alternatively, fully undertaking rear visual image redirection can be simplified by generating and displaying only an inverted and / or flipped visual image. on the same reversible display device. Such an option can be relatively simple when the display of such an image is electronically controlled, where a simple flip or reversal command or function on the same display device can be used, so that the original visual image displayed on the back of the device is reversed, or flipped, as desired.

In any case, the particular embodiment shown in Figure 4 uses two substantially flattened or flat mirrors 140, 141 and a magnifying reversing lens 142. As can also be seen, two paths are shown here to indicate what can happen. in general to the different elements of the visual image when it is redirected and manipulated by the optical devices 140, 141, 142. A hollow circle at the top of the cell or other core display component of the reversible display device 150 follows the discontinuous path 148 that is reflected from both mirrors, passes through the lens 142 and reaches the top of the display screen. end 191. Similarly, a continuous circle at the bottom of the cell or other core viewing component of the reversible viewing device follows a continuous path 149 that is also reflected from both mirrors and passes through the lens. The result of this specific example is that the final visual image on screen 191 is straight and the same size compared to the originally produced visual image, but is inverted from right to left with respect to the original visual image. As noted above, this mirror image effect can be corrected simply by displaying an original image that is reversed with respect to what is intended to be displayed on screen 191.

Continuing to Figure 5, another exemplary arrangement of a reversible display device and associated optical devices is illustrated within a gaming machine such as that shown in Figure 3A, viewed similarly in partially cutaway side cross-section. The specialized gaming machine 101 is identical or substantially similar to the gaming machine 100 in many respects. However, unlike gaming machine 100, specialized gaming machine 101 uses a different optical device approach to achieve the same result of displaying the rear visual image of a reversible display device 150 on a final screen 191. Instead By using two mirrors and a lens, a single optical device 143 having a specially curved surface is implemented. This optical device 143 is specifically designed so that its curved surfaces reflect the visual image from the rear of the display device so that the first visual image that is projected or otherwise displayed on screen 191 is straight and correctly dimensioned. As in the previous example using flat mirrors, a constant cross section through the entire optical device 143 as shown would produce a final visual image that is similarly flipped from right to left. Although a three-dimensional curvature could possibly be designed so that flipping of the visual image could be achieved, such a complex solution would be unnecessary when the original visual image can simply be flipped at the start.

In either embodiment of the gaming machine 100 or 101, both display screens 190 and 191 are located adjacent to each other so that the displayed visual images are similarly located in an adjacent manner. Controlling the displays of both visual images may be coordinated in this way to create at least one coherent combined scene, character, icon, or other image that encompasses at least a portion of both of these visual displays or images. For example, a card may appear to be dealt by a virtual dealer displayed on the upper display screen 191, the card scrolling down across the screen and then appearing in fluid motion on the screen 190 of lower display when the chart appears to be exiting the upper display screen. Furthermore, one or more large representations of a game reel can traverse both screens in a combined image, the movement of the reel and the symbols or images on the reel being coordinated so as to produce the appearance of a large coherent display screen. Coordination of displays on multiple separate screens to create a coherent display that is larger than any of the individual displays is well known in display techniques, and any of a number of display techniques can be implemented in the MGC and / or any other processor, device or remote server from the appropriate gaming machine.

ES 2 315 919 T3

Consequently, separate and uncoordinated visual images can be displayed on display screens 190 and 191, said separate visual images referring to either different views of the same game event, different game events, or different events entirely. . For example, one screen can be selected to show a game event, while the other shows a sporting event or any unrelated video. As will be readily appreciated, there are virtually an infinite number of possibilities as to how these two screens or display regions can be used with respect to each other, and it is specifically contemplated that any such coordinated or uncoordinated relationship, alternative or version can be used in conjunction with the present invention.

Referring now to Figure 6, an exemplary arrangement of a reversible display device and associated optical devices within a gaming machine such as that shown in Figure 3B is similarly shown in accordance with one embodiment. of the present invention, in partially cut-away cross-sectional side sectional view. As similarly illustrated in Figure 3B, the specialized gaming machine 200 contains two display screens 290, 291 that are arranged in a similar formation to the primary display and the upper box secondary display found on the machine. of exemplary game 10 above. An additional skirt display 225 may also be incorporated as a third or tertiary display in the specialized gaming machine 200, if so desired. Unlike previous gaming machines 100 and 101, this specialized gaming machine 200 does not have displays that are side-by-side or otherwise adjacent to each other. While optical devices and optical techniques similar to those used in the previous examples could certainly be used here as well, yet another specific optical possibility is provided for illustrative purposes.

As in the previous examples, a reversible display device 250 is positioned so that one of its display surfaces or screens is directly on the display screen 290 of the gaming machine 200, the rear display surface having its visual image positioned or redirected to one or more of the other display screens. As noted above, it may also be desirable to arrange the reversible display device 250 such that none of its display surfaces or screens are directly viewable by a player or user. As shown here, however, the first or front viewing surface can be viewed directly by a player or other observer on the screen or viewing glass or panel.

290. The rear or second display surface of the reversible display device 250 is redirected so that both top box display screens 291 and skirt display 225 are seen. Of course, two such identical displays are not necessary, and may not be desirable in many cases. When player attraction or background information is to be displayed, such as pay tables, game artwork, advertisements, or the like, however, such a dual display may prove convenient and relatively inexpensive to duplicate. Alternatively, an image splitter or other advanced optical device or system may be used to separate the rear image and present a different half or portion of the image on screens or final display components 291 and 225.

As shown, the rear or second viewing surface of the reversible display device 250 is reflected by a parabolic mirror 244 or other similar device to a central focal point of the receiving device 245. The visual image concentrated in this device can then be transported through from one or more fiber optic cables or light tubes 247 to screens 291 and 225. Because both of these displays reside in different positions on the gaming machine, it may be desirable to implement a 246 interface or other similar component where the main locker connects to the top box and / or the front door joins the main locker. the game machine. Such an interface 246 may simply be a convenient transferred position for a continuous fiber optic cable or light pipe to pass through, or it may be a more sophisticated optical device adapted to accept a transferred visual image, continuously transferring the same. visual image, distribute the transferred image to another fiber optic cable or light tube, and possibly perform one or more additional optical functions of the transferred visual image, as desired.

In either case, the transferred visual image eventually goes up to lens 242 or other adapted optical device to expand the image for projecting or otherwise displaying it on the respective screen or final display.

291, 225. A lens 242 of this type may be a fisheye lens or other suitable optical device adapted to perform image expansion of this type relatively quickly as desired. Although image transfer can be performed in a wide variety of ways and with many different technologically advanced devices, it is a particular feature of the present invention that no other conventional monitor or display device is necessary to display or otherwise present the visual image. redirected from the rear of the reversible display device 250. As a consequence, the optical devices and articles that are used to transfer and eventually display this visual image are preferably relatively inexpensive and produce little or no heat compared to a conventional monitor or display device. As a consequence, other visual image manipulation and redirection techniques utilizing these and other optical devices can also be used to display the second surface or rear image of a reversible display device, and such alternative techniques and devices are similarly contemplated for their purpose. use in the present invention.

In yet another embodiment, a reversible display device may be used in conjunction with a gaming machine or system in which no significant redirection or manipulation of any visual image is achieved. Figures 7A and 7B illustrate in perspective and partially cutaway side cross-sectional views

ES 2 315 919 T3 yet another exemplary specialized gaming machine according to this other embodiment. The specialized gaming machine 300 is designed so that two players can play on opposite sides of the gaming machine. Of course, such a gaming machine can also be designed so that three, four or even more players can also be playing simultaneously on the gaming machine if so desired. This gaming machine 300 is similar in many respects to each of the previous gaming machines, because it contains different displays, one or more identical or similar speakers 332, an internal MGC and different other inputs, a coin tray, a printer of tickets and other various peripherals and various gaming machine devices. The displays are somewhat different from any of the previous gaming machines, however, with at least one display standing out on top of the gaming machine on both the front and rear sides of the gaming machine.

On a front or first side of gaming machine 300 where a first player or spectator can be located, a first primary display or top box 390 provides a first visual image to the first player or spectator. Furthermore, on a rear or secondary side where a second player or spectator may be located, a second primary display or top box 391 provides a second visual image to the second player or spectator. As indicated above, these different displays 390, 391 may be coordinated to show the exact same visual image to both players or spectators, or to show different views of the same game, or to display visual images that are different games or that are otherwise different. they are completely unrelated. As an example, the specialized gaming machine 300 may be configured to play a virtual poker game, whereby the first player and the second player can play against each other, and in which each player can see only the cards that are played. attributed to their own hand.

As should be apparent at least from the partially cut-away cross-sectional view of Figure 7B, the actual display device used in the specialized gaming machine 300 may be any of the reversible display device examples disclosed herein. descriptive, as well as any other reversible display device that is suitably adapted to display visual images from a front as well as a rear side. Such a reversible display device may substantially fill the upper case or upper portion of the gaming machine 300, as shown, or it may be housed such that other components can also coexist within the outer housing of the upper case. of the gaming machine or upper portion. For example, communication or power cables for a top light or other top box component may be housed in the sides of the reversible display device. In any event, the visual images displayed can be effectively displayed directly from the surfaces of the reversible display device itself, although security items such as a glass or plastic display panel may be disposed on top of current display surfaces. and / or in the gaming machine housing.

Multi-cell Reversible Display Device

Turning now to Figures 8A and 8B, an alternative and more sophisticated reversible LCD device having two LCD cells is illustrated in two different views. Similar to Figures 2A and 2B, Figure 8A illustrates this reversible dual-cell LCD 55 device in an exploded, partially cut-away perspective view, while Figure 8B shows the same device in a cross-sectional side view. widened. As in the previous example of the reversible LCD device 50 mentioned above, it will be understood that these two illustrations are not similarly scaled, and are only presented to show the general relative positions and relationships of the various components. As in the previous example, the reversible dual cell LCD device 55 is also adapted to display two different visual images on two different and opposite surfaces. In fact, many of the components of device 55 may be identical or substantially similar to those of device 50 of the previous example, as will be readily appreciated.

However, a significant difference in the device 55 is that this device has an added LCD cell 53 that is located adjacent to the first LCD cell 52. With this arrangement, visual image configurations or light filter arrangements can be made in both LCD cells to create a combined projected visual image that appears to have added depth and / or other three-dimensional characteristics. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the first LCD cell 52 displays a poker hand, while the second LCD cell displays a background paper money "wallpaper" style image. As it passes through the "lightened" virtual curtain 80, the combined visual image can be viewed as a primary image of a poker hand on top of a paper money background. This same combined visual image will then be projected or otherwise displayed on the front surface 60 such as on the screen 90. Of course, it will be readily apparent that any type of image can be displayed on the second LCD cell 53, and that a Such an image need not necessarily be a background wallpaper or even secondary to the visual image displayed on the first LCD cell 52. Rather, such a visual image may be coordinated with that displayed on the other LCD cell so that an eye-catching combination image with added depth, relative movement, and other three-dimensional effects can be perceived.

The operation of this dual-cell reversible display device 55 can be quite similar to that of the device 50 above, where the lighting components and virtual shades are activated in a coordinated alternating manner to create backward and forward visual images in the images. front and rear surfaces 60 and 61. A notable difference in the operation of this dual cell device, however, is that it can

It will be necessary to introduce image displays in both cells in each cycle or half cycle, when it is desired that the visual image in each cell changes in each cycle or half cycle. In this way, a single LCD cell 52 can receive a first visual image that is displayed on the front or first surface 60, and then a second visual image that is displayed on the second or rear surface 61 after half a cycle or a first. reversal of position of each lighting component and virtual curtain, the second LCD cell 53 can receive a third separate visual image that is displayed on the front surface 60 and a fourth separate visual image that is displayed on the rear surface 61. If viewed in this way, the first and third images are displayed together. on the front surface 60, and the second and fourth images are then displayed together on the rear surface 61.

When any of these first to fourth images must change from frame to frame, an update of the changing image may be necessary to be communicated to the reversible display device, or at least to the appropriate LCD cell. Of course, the same effect is correct in a simpler reversible display device having only one cell or core display component. Alternatively, a reversible display device may be equipped with one or more memories or storage components, so that a plurality of the visual images can be stored on the same storage device. Preferably, a plurality of such stored images includes an intended succession of frame-by-frame visual images, such that at least some portion of a changing video stream or other visual display can be stored in the device, such as in a component. buffer or similar storage.

As in the foregoing embodiments, the display device 55 also does not need to be an LCD type device. Other suitable display devices may also be effective when used in a back-to-back cell or core display component arrangement, and it is specifically contemplated that other types of such display devices may be similarly adapted in this manner. Furthermore, third, fourth or even more other cells or core display components can be added in a similar manner when more complex three-dimensional display effects are desired. Of course, considerations should be made for feeds of additional visual image or communication lines preferably, and larger or faster processors and / or buffers or other storage devices may also be desirable the more cells or other components of Core visualization are added, in particular, where continuous visual makeover capabilities are desired for each of them.

Network and System Settings

Turning now to Figure 9, an exemplary network infrastructure for providing a gaming system having one or more alternative exemplary gaming machines in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in block diagram format. Gaming system 400 comprises one or more specialized gaming machines, various communication items, and a number of server-side components and devices adapted for use in a gaming environment. As shown, one or more specialized gaming machines 100, 200, 300 adapted for use in gaming system 400 may be in a plurality of locations, such as in banks or at a casino venue or they may alone in smaller non-gaming establishments, as desired. Of course, other gaming devices such as gaming machine 10 can also be used in gaming system 400 as well as other similar devices that are not described in added detail herein.

Common bus 401 can connect one or more gaming machines or devices to a number of networked devices in gaming system 400, such as, for example, a general purpose server 410, one or more purpose servers 420 special, a subnet of peripheral devices 430, and / or a database 440. Such a general purpose server 410 may be present within an establishment for one or more other purposes instead of, or in addition to, monitoring or managing some functionality of one or more specialized gaming machines such as, for example, providing visual images, video or other data to gaming machines of this type. The functions for such a general-purpose server may include general and game-specific accounting functions, payroll functions, general Internet and email capabilities, switched communications, and reservations and other hotel and restaurant operations, as well as other maintenance functions. of files of the general establishment and operations. In some cases, specific game-related functions, such as player tracking, downloadable games, remote game management, visual images, video or other data transmissions, or other types of functions may also be associated with or run by such a general purpose server. For example, such a server may contain various programs related to player tracking operations, player accounting management, remote management, player verification in remote games, remote game management, downloadable game management and / or images. visual or video data storage, transfer and distribution, and it may also be linked to one or more gaming machines adapted for the remote transfer of funds for gaming in an establishment, in some cases all or substantially all of the specially adapted gaming devices or machines within the establishment forming a network. Communications can then be exchanged from each of the gaming machines adapted to one or more related programs or modules on the general purpose server.

In one embodiment, the gaming system 400 contains one or more special purpose servers that can be used for various functions relating to the provision of administration and operation of the gaming machines under

ES 2 315 919 T3 the present system. Such special purpose servers may include, for example, a player verification server, a general game server, a downloadable game server, a specialized accounting server, and / or a video or visual image distribution server among others. . Of course, these functions can all be combined on a single server, such as the specialized server 420. Such additional special-purpose servers are desirable for a variety of reasons, such as, for example, reducing the load on an existing general-purpose server or isolating or separating all operation and management data for all gaming machines and functions of the system. general purpose server and in this way limit the possible modes of access to such operations and information.

Alternatively, the gaming system 400 may be isolated from any other network in the establishment, so that a general purpose server 410 is essentially impractical and unnecessary. Under any embodiment of an isolated or shared network, one or more special purpose servers are preferably connected to subnet 430. Peripheral devices on this subnet may include, for example, one or more video displays 431, one or more user terminals 432, one or more printers 433, and one or more other digital input devices 434, such as a reader. cards or other security identifier, among others. Similarly, under any embodiment of an isolated or shared network, at least the specialized server 420 or other similar component within a general purpose server 410 also preferably includes a connection to a database or other suitable storage medium 440.

Database 440 is preferably adapted to store many or all files containing data or information pertinent to gaming machines, system equipment, casino staff, and / or players registered in a gaming system, among other potential items. . Files, data, and other information in database 440 may be stored for backup purposes, and are preferably accessible to one or more system components, such as a specially adapted gaming machine 100, 200, 300, a general purpose server 410 and / or special purpose server 420, as desired. The database 440 is preferably also accessible by one or more of the peripheral devices over the subnet 430, so that the information or data recorded in the database can be easily retrieved and revised on one or more of the peripheral devices, as desired. Although it is shown to be connected directly to a common bus 401, it is also contemplated that such a direct connection may be omitted and that there is only a direct connection to a server or other similar device in the event that it is desired to increase security with regarding the data files.

Although the gaming system 400 may be a system that is specially designed and newly created for use in a casino or gaming establishment implementing specialized gaming devices such as the 100, 200, or 300 gaming machines, it also It is possible that many items in this system could be borrowed or adopted from a different game system. For example, gaming system 400 could represent an existing player tracking system to which specialized gaming machines are added. New functionality may also be provided by software, hardware, or otherwise to an existing database 440, specialized server 420, and / or general server 410. In this way, the methods or systems of the present invention can be practiced at reduced costs by gaming operators who already have existing gaming systems, such as a standard player tracking system, simply by modifying the existing system. Other modifications to an existing system may also be necessary, as will be readily appreciated.

Procedures for use

In general, the above devices and systems can be used to benefit gaming operators as well as players by creating and using specialized gaming machines that are adapted to provide attractive and innovative displays in a way that is relatively inexpensive compared to many conventional gaming machines using conventional display devices and techniques. As detailed above, this can be achieved by incorporating a reversible display device in or around a gaming machine, so that multiple visual images can be displayed on multiple screens or display surfaces through the use of one display device. single reversible. In addition to reducing overall display costs, the corresponding volume and space and cooling requirements for all displays in or around a gaming machine can also be reduced. Furthermore, a single reversible display device can display two completely different games or different views of the same game on different display screens, as well as different views of the same game on different display screens. In addition, the multiple displays can be coordinated in various ways, such as presenting coherent images spanning or crossing both screens. Other advantageous uses and benefits may also result from the use of the features, items, and procedures of the invention shown herein.

Referring last to Figures 10 and 11, an extended flow chart includes a method for displaying multiple visual images from a single source on a specialized gaming machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Although this flowchart may be comprehensive in some respects, it will be easily understood that not each of the steps provided is necessary, that other steps may be included, and that the order of the steps can be arranged as desired by a game operator. die or a gaming machine manufacturer, conditioner or repair person. This procedure begins in figure 10, in one step

ES 2 315 919 T3 starting 500, continues at point A 530 shown in the lower part of figure 10 and in the upper part of figure 11 and ends in the final step 599 in figure 11. After step Startup 500, a gaming machine or other relevant gaming device having a display device, is provided in a process step 502. Although such a device can be a gaming machine, such as any of the specialized gaming machines 100, 200, or 300 discussed above, it will also be understood that this gaming device could be a gaming device with a display device used in a board game, sports game, Keno room, or other gaming location.

After the gaming device with the display device is provided in step 502, a first display cell or core display component is provided on the display device in a next process step 504. Although steps 502 to 514 are primarily concerned with the specific design and creation of a bespoke reversible display device, it will be readily appreciated that such a device can be selected from any that are already commercially manufactured and supplied, such as the one that will soon be available. may be available from Mitsubishi Electric. As a consequence, steps 502 to 514 can be condensed into a single providing step using such available devices. In a next decision step 506, a question is asked as to whether multiple display cells or core display components are desired, as in the case of the reversible dual cell display device 55 above. If the answer to such a question is yes, then the procedure goes to a process step 508, in which a second cell or core display component is provided on the display device. Although the third and additional cells or core display components may also be similarly provided and accounted for in the current procedure, the present discussion will consider a maximum of only two such core display cells or components for the sake of simplicity. Furthermore, in the interest of simplicity, further use of the term "cell" will refer to both cells or to any other type of core display component, as applicable.

After such a process step 508, or when the answer to the question in decision step 506 is no, then the process continues to a decision step 510, where a question is asked as to whether the cell or display cells are self-illuminating. If they are not, then the procedure goes to a process step 512, where lighting components are also provided on the display device. After this step, or if the display cell (s) are self-illuminating, then the process continues to a process step 514, where virtual curtains are then provided to the display cell (s). As noted in the double cell example above, it may be necessary to provide only virtual curtains at both ends of a multi-cell stack, since the combined image of all cells would not ordinarily require the use of virtual curtains between cells. However, alternatively, some embodiments may include the use of such virtual intervention curtains, depending on the final visual effects desired.

The next decision step 520 involves a question as to whether any visual image should be indirectly displayed. If not, as was the case with the specialized gaming machine 300 above, then the procedure continues to process step 526. However, if indirect viewing or any other manipulation is desired, then the procedure directs to process step 522, where one or more optical devices are provided for final viewing of the gaming machine or device. In the next process step 524, this optical device or devices are arranged so that the visual image (s) to be redirected or manipulated are altered as desired. The process then continues to step 526, where an initial set of visual images is communicated to the reversible display device. At this point, the gaming machine or device is presumably in working order and adapted to display multiple visual images on multiple surfaces through the use of a reversible display device provided within the gaming machine. The process then continues to a reference point A 530, and resumes at Figure 11.

Figure 11 shows a later portion of the entire procedure shown, this second portion repeating indefinitely as long as the gaming machine remains on or the display sequence is not otherwise disconnected, such as in final decision step 596. In In the first decision step 532 of this repeatable looping portion of the procedure, a question is asked as to whether a first virtual image should be updated. This first virtual image is indicated as the visual image that resides within the first cell and is projected or otherwise displayed on the first display surface of the reversible display device. If this first virtual image is to be updated, then the procedure goes to process step 534, where a new first virtual image is communicated to the display device. As noted above, the display device may currently have one or more memories or storage units, in which case this step may be impractical or necessary with each desired change in the visual image. In either case, the first visual image residing in the first cell must be changed when the answer to decision step 532 is yes. After process step 534, or when the answer to decision question 532 is no, then the procedure continues to another decision step 536, where a question is asked as to whether multiple display cells are present on the display device. reversible.

This multiple display cell question is asked multiple times in this process, notably at decision steps 536, 560, 570, and 590. In each of these cases, an affirmative answer produces a corresponding action that is taken with respect to the second cell, whereas a negative answer produces no deviation from the primary process of any second cell consideration. Similar detour paths can be

ES 2 315 919 T3 implanted for a third cell, fourth cell, etc. If the answer is yes at step 536, then the process continues to a later decision step 538, where a question is asked as to whether a third virtual image should be updated. This third visual image is referred to as the visual image that resides inside the second cell and is projected or otherwise displayed on the first display surface of the reversible display device. If the third visual image is to be updated, then this is accomplished in process step 540. In any event, the process then returns to process step 550, which is also where the process continues in the event that no multiple display cells are present within the reversible display device of step 536.

At step 550, the half cycle process begins, whereby any visual image that can be displayed on the second surface is interrupted, so that a visual image can be displayed on the first surface of the reversible display device. Correspondingly, the second virtual curtain is closed in step 550, the second set of lighting components is deactivated in step 552, the first virtual curtain is open in step 554, and the first set of lighting components is turned on or turned on. at step 556. Of course, an initial scrolling through these process steps may encounter a situation where one or more of these process steps is not necessary, such as to initiate the trigger condition when the second virtual curtain and the set of components lights are already disconnected or deactivated. One or more steps 550 to 556 may not be necessary in such cases.

In the next process step 558, the first virtual image is then displayed in the first cell, which presumably results in the display of that first image on the first surface of the reversible display device. As noted above, further manipulation of this first virtual image can then occur in or around the gaming machine before the final visual image is displayed or perceived on the gaming machine, as desired. The next step 560 involves a question as to whether multiple cells are used, in which case the third visual image is displayed in the second cell in process step 562. Under either the single or double cell embodiments, the next step of Decision 564 involves a question as to whether an appropriate time interval has elapsed. This first time interval simply represents the half cycle period in which the first (and possibly third) visual image should be displayed on the first surface. When there are 60 complete cycles per second (ie, 120 half cycles) for example, this period can be approximately 1/120 of a second. Steps 558 to 564 are repeated as a loop until this time interval elapses, at which time the procedure continues to decision step 566.

At step 566 a question is asked as to whether a second visual image should be updated. This second visual image is referred to as the visual image that resides inside the first cell and is projected or otherwise displayed on the second display surface of the reversible display device. Similar to the foregoing examples of the first and third visual images, if this second visual image is to be updated, then the procedure goes to process step 568, where a new second visual image is communicated to the display device. After process step 568 or when the answer to the question in decision step 566 is no, then the procedure continues to another decision step 570, where a further question is asked as to whether multiple display cells are present. If the answer is yes at step 570, then the process continues to a later decision step 572, where a question is asked as to whether a fourth visual image should be updated. This fourth visual image is referred to as the visual image that resides inside the second cell and is projected or otherwise displayed on the second display surface of the reversible display device. If the fourth visual image is to be updated, then this is accomplished in process step 574. In either case, the process then proceeds to process step 580, which is also where the procedure continues in the event that multiple display cells are not present within the reversible display device in step 570.

In process step 580, the second half cycle process is started, wherein the visual image displayed on the first surface is turned off, so that a visual image can be displayed on the second surface of the reversible display device. As a consequence, and similar to the first half cycle process, the first visual curtain is closed in process step 580, the first set of lighting components is deactivated in step 582, the second virtual curtain is open in step 584, and the second set of lighting components is connected or activated in step 586. In process step 588 that follows, then the second visual image is displayed in the first cell, which should cause the second image to be displayed on the second surface of the reversible display device. Again, further manipulation of this second visual image can then occur in or around the gaming machine before the final visual image is displayed or perceived on the gaming machine, as detailed in many possible techniques previously. .

The next decision step 590 involves another question as to whether multiple cells are used, in which case the fourth visual image is displayed in the second cell in process step 592. Under a single or double cell embodiment, the next step Decision 594 involves another question as to whether an appropriate time interval has elapsed. This second time interval may be the same or approximately the same length as the first time interval, or it may be different as desired by a given manufacturer or operator. This second time interval represents the period of the half cycle in which the second visual image (and possibly the fourth) must be displayed on the second surface. In one embodiment, for example, this period can also be about 1/120 of a second. Steps 588 to 594 are then repeated as a loop until this second time interval elapses, at which time the procedure continues to final decision step 596. As

ES 2 315 919 T3 mentioned above, this decision step asks as to whether the display sequence or process should continue. If not, the procedure ends at final step 599. If the display sequence is to continue, however, then the procedure goes to process step 598, where coordination of the first and second visual images can be performed. Such a coordination step may also include some consideration of the third and fourth visual images, as appropriate.

This coordination step may involve the synchronization of multiple images, which may be particularly appropriate when the first final and second image displays are last side by side or otherwise adjacent and one or more coherent images are intended to be displayed, for example as shown. stated above. Furthermore, the coordination step may involve two different or identical views of the same game that is shown to two different players or spectators. In such cases, it is preferable that the visual images displayed on multiple displays are coordinated in a way that makes sense and does not present situations or game solutions that are inconsistent or problematic with each other. In other examples, when using coherent images of this type spanning multiple screens or displays, frame-to-frame coordination may be particularly important, so that disconnected or otherwise inconsistent images do not occur. In such cases, such coordination may preferably be accounted for by the MGC and / or one or more specialized processors that are specifically adapted to distribute the various visual images in the first place. A wide variety of commercially available and proprietary hardware component software can perform these and other coordination functions in a variety of ways, and it is specifically contemplated that any and all of these hardware and software components may be used to implant and operate the procedures and devices of the present invention.

After the final connection coordination step 598, then the procedure returns to reference point A 530, whereby the entire display process is repeated. Of course, it will be readily appreciated that in the event of a machine stop or other completion of the display sequence and the entire process at step 596 and 599, then the procedure can be resumed at reference point A 530 instead. doing so in startup step 500 that returns in Figure 10. In other words, it may not be necessary or desirable to completely recreate a reversible display device, gaming machine, gaming device, or other component that already exists before practicing the invention again by going back to the process at step 530.

Certain changes and modifications may be made, and it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the foregoing details, but should instead be defined by the scope of the appended claims.