Gaming machine

Abstract

A gaming machine is disclosed which includes a rotor (a reel or a roulette wheel) including a visible surface on which symbols are displayed. The visible surface includes a laminated structure with micro lens and dotted pattern layers, which cooperate to create an illusion of depth in a backdrop for the symbols. Preferably, the micro lens and dotted pattern layers are laminated on a sheet mounted on the visible surface. Alternatively, portions of the rotor including the micro lens layer may be molded of transparent plastic material, and the dotted pattern layer may be laminated on a sheet placed on the inner side of the visible surface. The three-dimensional appearance of the backdrop will entice persons to play games on the gaming machine. In addition, players will primarily stare at the two-dimensional symbols while playing games, and thus can avoid eye strain regardless of the three-dimensional appearance of the backdrop.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and in particular, a gaming machine that comprises one or more rotors having a surface visible to a player on which symbols are displayed.[0003]2. Background Information[0004]The variety in gaming machines is quite wide, and extends from large arcade game machines to home and portable video game machines. In addition, the functions of game machines have been integrated into other devices, such as a beverage vending machine having a roulette-like function.[0005]Examples of gaming machines include slot machines, roulette machines, and combinations thereof (e.g. “Wheel of Fortune”), that are equipped with one or more rotors, such as reels and roulette wheels, which comprise surfaces visible to players on which symbols are displayed. The rotor(s) can spin in order to change the positions of the symbols relative to a player. Players may be able to win money (credits) or bonu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]In addition, the visible surface of the rotor has a laminated structure comprising a micro lens layer and a dotted pattern layer. The laminated structure is particularly configured to create an illusion of depth in a backdrop for symbols displayed on the visible surface. Preferably, the symbols are displayed as two-dimensional images. The three-dimensional appearance of the backdrop will catch the attention of persons before they play games on the gaming machine, and thereby entice them to play games thereon. On the other hand, the players will stare mainly at the two-dimensional symbols, and not at the three-dimensional images in the background while playing games. Thus, a three-dimensional appearance can be achieved that is gentle on the eyes, and thus, reduce eye strain.

[0010]Preferably, the micro lens layer and the dotted pattern layer are laminated on a sheet mounted on the visible surface of the rotor. In this case, a change in the symbol pattern requires only replacement of the sheet, and thereby simplifies a model change of the gaming machine.

[0011]Alternatively, portions of a rotor that includes the micro lens layer may be molded of transparent plastic material, and the dotted pattern layer may be laminated on a sheet placed on the inner side of the rotor. The sheet does not have to include a micro lens layer, and accordingly the sheet is thinner and more flexible, and thereby easy to fix to the rotor with higher degree of stability. The enhanced manageability and lower cost of the sheet will simplify a model change of the gaming machine. The high degree of stability of the sheet against rotation and vibration of the rotor will contribute to longer lasting, sharper three-dimensional images. In addition, the micro lens layer can be formed on a curved shape and have a rigid structure from the start, and thus, each micro lens will rarely become distorted during manufacturing and use. Accordingly, the three-dimensional images may remain clear and sharp during the lifetime of the rotor.

[0012]The entire micro lens layer is preferably molded in one piece. A micro lens layer having a seamless structure will improve the strength and appearance of the visible surface of the rotor. Alternatively, portions of the rotor formed to have the micro lens layer may be separately molded. This can improve the manufacturing yields of the rotor.

Problems solved by technology

However, players tend to stare at the Moiré patterns that represent the symbols, and as a result, overuse their eye muscles.

This can result in eye strain in players.

Images