Roulette visual display for gaming systems

Abstract

A roulette wheel system and method of using are disclosed. A roulette wheel may include a stationary rim, a roulette wheel, a controller, and an optical display system. The optical display system may be configured to provide a plurality of lighting effects visible on a surface of the stationary rim and / or the roulette wheel. A lightguide may guide light for the lighting effects from the optical display system to the surface. The controller may provide signal content to the optical display system to produce a lighting effect corresponding to current gaming information. Lighting effects may indicate simulating rotation of numbers or symbols, provide real-time game information, track a position of a roulette ball, respond to various gaming events, or promote interest and excitement towards the game.

Description

Docket No. 099823.000664ROULETTE VISUAL DISPLAY FOR GAMING SYSTEMSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U. S. Patent Application No. 18 / 893,852, filed September 23. 2024, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 319,238, filed May 17, 2023, and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 603,990, filed March 13, 2024, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 483.246, filed February 3, 2023, each of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to gaming apparatus and more particularly to roulette gaming apparatus or systems and methods for using the same.BACKGROUND

[0003] Roulette is a popular game played in gaming establishments. In mechanical versions of the game (versus video generated), a roulette ball is launched into a stationary rim having an angled annular track or rim encircling a spinning roulette wheel. The spinning roulette wheel rotates in the opposite direction of the spinning roulette ball. The roulette ball spins around the annular track until friction between the roulette ball and the annular track and gravity cause the ball to lose momentum. Upon losing sufficient momentum, the roulette ball falls out of the annular track and falls on to the roulette wheel.

[0004] Between the track and the roulette wheel is an annular stationary rim that includes one or more ball stops (or canoes) that may engage the ball and cause the ball to randomly jump about. Eventually the roulette ball will come to rest in one of the numerous equally spaced ball slots or pockets located along a circumference of the roulette wheel. Each pocket among the equally spaced pockets is isolated from adjacent pockets by separators positioned radially outward and each pocket corresponds to a particular number (or symbol) and color, typically red and black. The particular number / symbol and / or the color represents a result for the game cycle that began when the roulette ball was launched.

[0005] As the roulette ball comes to rest, a marker (or dolly) may be used to mark a betting area (or layout) of a display or a physical horizontal surface that is separate from the roulette mechanism. The dolly identifies the particular number / symbol and color on the099823 000663U897-6164- 1575 1Docket No. 099823.000664 layout corresponding to the pocket in which the roulette ball came to rest. Winning and losing selections for that game cycle that had been electronically or physically placed on the selection area prior to a selection close time of that game cycle are then determined according to the result. Once the losing and winning selections are resolved, a new game cycle starts.

[0006] Although roulette can be a fun and exciting on its own. there have been numerous attempts to add further fun and excitement by modifying aspects of roulette as structured in different parts of the world. Roulette systems may include a number of numbers on the number circle spaced apart and arranged in different manners. The number circles of roulette wheels typically include at least 36 numbers. Some number circles may include additional numbers or symbols and the roulette wheels may include a corresponding number of pockets, which can change the arrangement of the numbers of the number circle. The numbers are typically splits between red and black colors, with some of the red and black numbers both even and odd so that a bet on even or odd is not the same as a bet on red or black. Number circles including an extra number are typically numbered “0”, two extra numbers are typically numbered AT and “00”, etc. The zeros numbers are typically colored green and therefore are neither even nor odd. Symbols may have different functions. Figure 1 is an exemplary illustration of a prior art roulette wheel system 10, including a roulette wheel 12 that spins in one direction and is surrounded by a stationary annular rim 13 and a stationary annular track 14 w ithin which a ball 16 is spun in the opposite direction of the roulette wheel’s spin. A surface of a cone in the middle of the roulette wheel 12 and a surface of the annular rim 13 slope toward the pockets 18, which are surrounded by the number circle 19, thereby funneling the roulette ball tow ard one of the pockets 18. The number circle corresponds to a 37 number roulette system with one added “0”.

[0007] However, many visual modifications to roulette wheel systems are limited to static changes, such as permanent or semi-permanent modifications to one or more aspects of the device. This may include a color scheme change to the wheel, numbers, pockets, labels, or other areas of the roulette system. Such visual modifications may also require the game to go offline for a period of time, while the modifications are installed on the wheel. This may result in lower profitability and decreased player experience, since less roulette games are available for play. In addition, visual modifications may become outdated after a period of time and / or due to customer familiarity. This may create additional challenges and costs related to selecting visual modifications that are appealing and will generate excitement for the game over time, since any further changes would result in additional costs and servicing time.099823 000663\4897-6164- 1575 1 - 2 -Docket No. 099823.000664SUMMARY

[0008] A roulete wheel system and method of using the same are disclosed. A roulete wheel system may include at least one stationary rim, a spinning roulete wheel, an optical display system positioned beneath the at least one rim and the roulete wheel, and a controller. The optical display system may include one or more LEDs or an LCDs, as individual lights or as displays. The optical display system is configured to provide a plurality of lighting effects visible through the at least some portion of a stationary annular rim and / or some additional portion of the roulete wheel. A controller may provide signal content to the optical display system, to produce a lighting effect corresponding to current gaming information. According to the various embodiments, lighting effects may include the simulation of the rotation of numbers and symbols, simulation of stationary text or images on a rotating structure, indicate real-time game information, track a position of a roulete ball, respond to various gaming events, and / or promote interest and excitement towards the game.

[0009] These and other features will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject mater, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject mater.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a prior art roulete wheel system.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a roulete wheel system with a visual display rim and a visual display roulette wheel in accordance with an embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a roulete wheel system with a visual display rim and a visual display roulete wheel in accordance with an embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a roulete wheel system with a visual display rim and a visual display roulete wheel in accordance with an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-section side view of a roulete wheel system further displaying the visual display roulete wheel in accordance with an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of lightguides for a display system in accordance with an embodiment.099823 000663U897-6164- 1575 1 - 3 -Docket No. 099823.000664

[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view the display system and lightguides of FIG. 6.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a representation of display elements in accordance with an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a computer system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0001] The present disclosure describes particular embodiments and their detailed construction and operation. The embodiments described herein are set forth by way of illustration only and not limitation. Those skilled in the art will recognize, in light of the teachings herein, that there may be a range of equivalents to the exemplary embodiments described herein. Most notably, other embodiments are possible, variations can be made to the embodiments described herein, and there may be equivalents to the components, parts, or steps that make up the described embodiments. For the sake of clarity and conciseness, certain aspects of components or steps of certain embodiments are presented without undue detail where such detail would be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein and / or where such detail would obfuscate an understanding of more pertinent aspects of the embodiments.

[0002] As shown in FIG. 1, most roulette wheel systems or mechanisms have a support base 10, a cone 12, a stationary rim 13, a stationary annular track 14 around which a ball 16 travels, and a rotating roulette wheel 18 positioned in the middle of the base and having pockets into which the ball 16 eventually falls. The roulette wheel includes a number of pockets configured to hold the roulette ball. A number between 0 and 36 (and also 00 on some roulette wheels) and a color (typically green for 0 and 00 and alternating between red and black for the other numbers) are assigned to each of the pockets. The stationary rim 13 incorporates the single angled annular track 14 in which a single roulette ball manually spins. At the beginning of a game cycle, typically after further selections are closed, a dealer will either manually spin the roulette ball in the track or the roulette balls will be launched from a launch tube. The roulette ball spins in the opposite direction of the rotating roulette wheel. When the roulette ball eventually exits the stationary track, the ball will ultimately land in one of the rotating pockets indicating the end of that game cycle. FIG. 1 is an illustration of a prior art roulette system with 37 pockets 18 and the numbers 0-36 on the number circle 19.

[0003] FIG. 2 illustrates a roulette wheel system 100 including a stationary visual display rim 110 and a rotating visual display w heel 150. When a roulette ball 125 (shown in a099823 000663U897-6164- 1575 1 - 4 -Docket No. 099823.000664 pocket 130) is launched from a launch tube 140, the ball travels around the track 135 of the stationary rim 110 and eventually drops across the rim 110 into a pocket (e.g., pocket 130 of the rim 1 10), once the roulette ball 125 loses sufficient momentum. In various embodiments, the rim 1 10 may be stationary, while a roulette wheel mechanism 420 (as shown in Figure 4, which includes the roulette wheel 150) may spin in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the roulette ball 125 upon its launch into the track 135. The visual display rim 110 may include one or more raised physical elements, such as canoe 120, which may contact the roulette ball 125 and deflect its path, causing random unpredictability- and increasing excitement and attention towards the gameplay. Canoes 120 may be placed in any of a variety of positions orientations around the rim 110.

[0004] The visual display rim 110 may also include the number areas made of a transparent or semi-transparent material of any color or combination of colors through which light may be displayed. In some embodiments, the visual display rim 110 may be glass, such as a transparent polycarbonate glass. In other embodiments the visual display may include one or more types of transparent materials, including but not limited to plastics, glass, resins, and other thermoplastic polymers and polycarbonate materials. In embodiments, the visual displays rim may be opaque and include a number of holes through which individual light guides are positioned, as further described herein, or cutout areas covered with transparent or semi-transparent material under which display s may be positioned. In embodiments, the visual display rim may be entirely transparent and have light displays positioned at different areas to create visual displays.

[0005] As best seen in FIG. 3, a rotating visual display wheel 150 may display a number circle area, i.e., an area in which numbers and other symbols may be displayed. The rotating visual display wheel 150 may be positioned between the stationary visual display rim 110 and the pockets 130. In examples, the number circle area may be displayed on a top surface of or projected through the visual display rim 110 or the visual display roulette wheel 150. The rotating visual display wheel 150 may be formed of transparent or semi-transparent material or opaque materials with cutouts covered with transparent or semi-transparent material or holes through which light can be projected. The display may include any color or combination of colors so as to enable projection through the rotating visual display wheel 150. In some embodiments, the number circle area is a glass material, such as a transparent polycarbonate glass. In other embodiments, the transparent materials may include, but not be limited to, plastics, glass, resins, and other thermoplastic polymers and polycarbonate materials. An optical display system 210 may be positioned beneath the stationary visual099823 000663U897-6164- 1575 1 - 5 -Docket No. 099823.000664 display rim 110, as shown in FIG. 3, or positioned beneath the rotating visual display wheel 150, as shown in FIG. 5. Although not shown, the optical display system 210 may also be positioned beneath the pockets 130.

[0006] The optical display system may serve to display text, numbers, icons, flashes, colors, or any of a variety and combination of lighting effects, which will be visible on or through the stationary visual display rim 110, and / or the rotating visual display wheel 150, and / or the pockets 130. As further disclosed herein, the optical display system 210 may include a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). In some embodiments, the optical display system 210 includes a display, such as a liquid cry stal display (LCD), as well as a plurality' of LCDs. A combination of various lighting elements may be applied to create a desired visual effect for the stationary’ visual display rim 110. For example, the optical display system 210 may include LCD screens installed along the bottom of the stationary visual display rim 110, the rotating visual display w heel 150, or the pockets 130, or any combination of the same, with the LCDs providing additional visual effects. LEDs and LCDs may also be combined in any manner desired.

[0007] In embodiments, the number circle area may display the numbers 0-36 as show n on the number circle 19 of Figure 1 or some other combination of numbers and symbols. In embodiments, the number circle area may be rotated by the roulette wheel mechanism 420. In embodiments, the number circle area may be stationary with the visual display rim 110 and the display of the optical display system 210 may simulate the numbers, such as 0-36 or some other combination of numbers and symbols, rotating like they would in FIG. 1 when the roulette wheel mechanism 420 imparts rotation. In embodiments, numbers and symbols or text may be displayed as stationary' even though the visual display rim 110 may be rotating.

[0008] In various embodiments, the optical display system 210 may be directly attached to the bottom side of the visual display’ rim 110 and / or the visual display wheel 150. In some examples the optical display system 210 may be a removable element. In other examples, the optical display system 210 may be formed as part of the visual display rim 110, the visual display wheel 150, and / or pockets 130. The display rim 110 may additionally have one or more recesses, protrusions, mounts, or other physical elements to attach and / or remove the optical display system 210. For example, support bracket 240, as best seen in FIG. 4, may provide a support upon which the optical display system 210 may be placed. A similar support bracket 240 may be positioned beneath the visual display wheel 150 and / or the pockets 130.099823 000663U897-6164- 1575 1 - 6 -Docket No. 099823.000664

[0009] A removable and / or interchangeable optical display system may enable efficient replacements or repairs of lighting elements, which would lead to less time that the game is offline. A variety of optical display systems may enable additional lighting display combinations, which could make a game more attractive to current and potential players.

[0010] The visual display rim 110, the visual display wheel 150, and the pockets 130 may be tilted at an angle and positioned above the roulette wheel mechanism 420. The visual display rim 110 may be stationary, while the visual display wheel 150 and the cone 160 may rotate in a direction opposite to the launch direction of the roulette ball. The number circle area may also be part of the stationary' structure of the visual display rim 110 but simulate the combination of numbers and symbols rotating, or alternatively actually physically rotate with the cone 160. As shown in FIG. 3, a spacer element 230 (shown in FIG. 3) may separate the visual display rim 110 and the visual display wheel 150 so that the rotating portions can freely rotate. The spacer element 230 may also be positioned between the pockets 130 and the visual display wheel 150 such that the visual display wheel 150 is stationary’ while the pockets 130 rotate.

[0011] In embodiments, the visual display rim 110, the visual display wheel 150 and pockets 130 may be tilted 21° above a horizontal plane. Any other tilt angle, or no tilt angle, may be used to position the visual display rim 110 and its components.

[0012] The visual display rim 110 and the visual display wheel 150 may also be removable elements, fitted into the area between the outer wall 310 and the spacer element 230. For example, the visual display rim 1 10 may sit in a defined groove 320 between the outer wall 310 and the spacer element 230. The groove 320 may be extended to include the visual display wheel 150 and the pockets 130. This capability may introduce greater variety' to the roulette gaming system 100. For example, the visual display rim 110 may be frequently changed to include different colors, materials, with canoe shapes, sizes, colors, or other physical elements, and the roulette wheel 150 and pockets 130 may be readily modified in ways that may add to the excitement and visual attraction of the game.

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the roulette gaming system. In various embodiments, the lighting effects may be controlled via a controller, which may be local to the roulette gaming system or remotely located. A controller may allow game operators to manually change one or more lighting effects or routines, as desired. The controller may also provide pre-programmed routines and effects, which may be selected, or automatically’ occur when certain roulette wheel events occur, and / or if certain sensors are099823 000663U897-6164- 1575 1 - 7 -Docket No. 099823.000664 triggered. Sensors may include, but are not limited to, an optic sensor, proximity sensor, force sensor, pressure sensor, and position sensor.

[0014] The controller may communicate with one or more sensors and devices to control a lighting sequence or visual effect. As discussed herein, a sensor may indicate a current status of a game, a position of the roulette ball, the roulette ball’s contact with a gaming element, such as canoe 120, or any other aspect of the roulette gaming system. For example, a sensor may provide real-time feedback to the controller, e.g., related to a position of the roulette ball, and lighting sequences may correspond to the real-time feedback, e.g., tracking, highlighting, or otherwise indicating a position of the roulette ball.

[0015] In an example, a first lighting sequence may occur while the roulette ball is spinning within the track, a second lighting sequence may occur when the roulette ball leaves the track, and a third lighting sequence may occur when the ball has landed within a pocket. A sensor, e.g., sensor 410, may be an optic sensor, which may identify a presence of a ball in the track and within a particular pocket so as to trigger the different lighting sequences, i.e., the first lighting sequence when the ball is sensed in the track, the second lighting sequence when the ball is no longer sensed in the track but not yet sensed in a pocket, and the third lighting sequence when the ball is sensed in a pocket..

[0016] The visual display rim 110 and / or visual display wheel 150 and the corresponding optical display system(s) may highlight an arrow, number, identifier, or other lighting effect to indicate the pocket with the roulette ball. In another example, when a sensor (e.g., pressure, force, position, etc.) indicates contact of the roulette ball with a canoe 120, a lighting effect may be triggered, such as highlighting the canoe, or other visual or color effect on the display rim. To further enhance the roulette mechanism and make it easier for players to identify the pocket in which a roulette ball has landed lighting could be provided to light up the pocket sensed to contain the ball. Again, the lighting could be triggered by a sensor 410, located throughout the roulette wheel system 100, detecting the roulette ball in or not in different locations, such as a pocket.

[0017] In some embodiments, the optical display system 210 may display information, such as player information, gaming information, a current score, current winnings, a bet, number of players, a date, time, name, game type, winning numbers, winning bets, and the like. In some examples, the optical display system may cause the visual display rim 110 and / or the visual display wheel 150 and / or pockets 130 to be a certain color or combination of colors for a period of time. In various embodiments, sound effects may099823 000663U897-6164- 1575 1 - 8 -Docket No. 099823.000664 accompany one or more visual displays provided on the visual display rim 110, the visual display wheel 150. and the pockets 130.

[0018] The lighting elements of the visual display rim 1 10, the visual display wheel 150, and the pockets 130 may be programmed to automatically run through a lighting sequence(s) and / or produce certain lighting effects when an event occurs during the operation of the roulette system. For example, certain lighting combinations may occur when there is not an active game being played. Flashing lights and colors may be used to attract players to the game. During gameplay, the system may show a current player name and other player or gaming information. Certain lighting and / or sound effects may enhance gameplay, or keep the player’s attention, for example. Additional enhancement features include the abili ty to shine light through one or more crystals embedded in the visual display rim 110, a canoe 120, or other rim element or the visual display wheel 150 or pockets 130 during a game or when a roulette ball lands in a pocket, such as by highlighting the corresponding number or symbol within the number circle area or shining a light through the pocket so to further indicate the outcome of each game or for some other reason.

[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of a rotatable roulette wheel system, having a roulette wheel mechanism 220, a visual display wheel 150, a cone 160, and pockets 130, along with a plurality' of light sources 510 positioned w ithin, on or under the visual display wheel 150 so as to create the number circle area. The light sources 510 may include a plurality of individual light sources, such as LEDs, forming a square or rectangular array at each pocket 130, or a continuous circle of light sources spanning the entire number circle area. The light sources may be a part of the optical display system 210 discussed herein, and include a display, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), or other light projection devices or other suitable lighting elements. In other examples, the light sources are part of multiple LED arrays positioned to be viewable along a perimeter of the plurality of pockets on the visual display wheel 150.

[0020] When the light sources 510 are placed under the visual display wheel 150, lightguides 520 (further illustrated in FIG. 6) may be used to guide light from the light sources to a surface. The surface may be a surface of the visual display rim or a surface of the visual display wheel 150. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the lightguides 520 may be matched to the light sources, such that an array of lightguides corresponds to an array of light sources and a continuous circle of lightguides corresponds to a continuous circle of light sources. For each individual light source among a plurality of light sources may be a corresponding individual light guide amount a plurality’ of light guide. The cross-section of the light sources099823.00066314897-6164- 1575.1 - 9 -Docket No. 099823.000664 and the lightguides in FIG. 5 illustrates that a clear or transparent portion of each lightguide corresponds to each individual light source among the plurality of light sources.

[0021] Regardless of whether the light sources and lightguides are in arrays or circles, in each case, some portion of the light sources and lightguides correspond to each pocket 130 so that gaming information unique to each pocket may be illustrated for that pocket. The gaming information may include pocket labels, numbers (e.g., 0. 00, 1-37, etc.), bonus information, and other information depending on the nature of the roulette game being played. The lighting sources may change before, during, and after gaming events, to convey different gaming information throughout a gaming cycle, i.e., from a start to a finish of each game. Such gaming information may include identifying a winning pocket, a bonus associated with one or more pockets, and any numbers having an associated bet.

[0022] A sequence of lighting effects may be generated throughout a game cycle. For example, a first set of lighting effects, such as gameplay rules, betting information and bonuses, bet types, numbers, and symbols may be provided at the start of a game, such as during a betting period. A second set of lighting effects, for example, pocket number labels, may be provided after the betting penod closes and throughout the roulette ball launch and wheel spin cycle. A third set of lighting effects, such as a winning number, may be provided after a roulette ball comes to rest in a pocket and a winning number and / or other bets are determined, indicating the end of a game cycle. Embodiments may include variations to communicate one or more of a roulette ball position, a number, a symbol, a color, a bonus, a winning outcome, and an animation.

[0023] FIG. 6 further illustrates the lightguides 520, w hich may be comprised of a base 610 that may be placed over an upper surface of the plurality of light sources 510, and a series of individual lightguide elements 620 that channel light from the light sources to an appropriate surface of the visual display rim 1 10, the visual display wTieel 150, and the pockets 130. The base 610 may be formed from a plate of material through which a plurality of holes are formed, each hole corresponding to the position of an individual light source among the plurality of light sources positioned below the base. Each lightguide may be formed of a column of material, one end of which is placed in or positioned over a hole of the base so that light emitted from a light source corresponding to a hole is transmitted through the hole and each corresponding lightguide. The lightguides may be printed with a 3D printer using polymers of any suitable material, such as Digital ABS for the base 610 and VEROCLEAR RGD810 for the lightguide elements 620, both of which materials are manufactured by Stratasys.099823 000663\4897-6164- 1575 1 - 10 -Docket No. 099823.000664

[0024] The polymer material of the base 610 may be opaque so as to prevent light from one light source from leaking through the base material to any adjacent light source, i.e., to isolate each light source, and to channel light from the light source through the corresponding hole in the base. Each light guide among the plurality of lightguide elements 620 which may formed of a transparent or largely transparent material so that light from the corresponding light source is channeled through the corresponding hole in the base and through the column of material of the light guide, thereby guiding the light to the surface. FIG. 7 illustrates an entire lightguide 520 that may be placed over an upper surface of a light source. In embodiments, the light source may be placed directly under the material forming the visual display rim 110 and / or the visual display wheel 150 and / or the pocket 130. In embodiments, the light source may be placed within an opening formed in the material forming the visual display rim 1 10 and / or the visual display wheel 150 and / or the pocket 130 and covered by a thin layer of transparent or translucent material.

[0025] In an embodiment, the base 610 may be transparent versus opaque. In an embodiment, the base 610 may be opaque and have transparent inserts positioned above the lighting sources. The inserts would act as transparent blocks that transmit light from the light sources to the appropriate surface of the visual display rim 110, the visual display wheel 150, and the pockets 130.

[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates two examples of lighting elements arrayed around the visual display wheel 150 and around the cone 160. Such lighting effects may be provided based on signal content from the controller. The signal content, as described herein, may represent gaming information, which may include at least one of: a roulette ball position, a game timing, a roulette ball launch, and a gaming outcome. The lighting effects on the cone 160 may be generated using any of the plurality of lighting techniques and lighting elements discussed herein.

[0027] Within number circle area 810, numbers and symbols corresponding to each pocket are displayed by the lighting sources and project to a surface of the visual display rim or roulette wheel by the lightguides. The number circle area 810 shows standard roulette wheel numbers and other symbols, such as a diamond, which may indicate a bonus and otherwise correspond with a bet option at an associated betting area. The central number, e.g., on the cone 160, may indicate a past or current winning number or symbol, for example, “32”. At number circle area 820, light sources in the number wheel area indicate a bonus, e.g., lx-500x, associated with each pocket instead of numbers. The lighting display on the cone 160 may indicate a past, current, or upcoming bonus amount, such as “200x”. Any099823.00066314897-6164- 1575.1 - 11 -Docket No. 099823.000664 content may be displayed on the visual display rim, the visual display wheel, the pockets and the cone.

[0028] In some examples, the lighting sources may alternate between displaying pocket numbers and associated bonuses. The lighting sources 510 may also provide various lighting effects (e.g., colors, symbols, animations, brightness, etc.) to provide a source of attraction and keep players attentive to the present game. Such features may also help communicate game rules, bonus play information, and the like, to assist new players and introduce new gaming features. These lighting features may be provided along with other lighting effects and animations on the stationary' rim, as previously discussed herein. The optical display system may generate lighting effects on the stationary rim (e.g., a transparent, stationary rim) sequentially, alternately, and / or concurrently with any lighting effects on the rotatable roulette wheel and the cone.

[0029] The present disclosure describes particular embodiments and their detailed construction and operation. The embodiments described herein are set forth by way of illustration only and not limitation. Those skilled in the art will recognize, in light of the teachings herein, that there may be a range of equivalents to the exemplary embodiments described herein. Most notably, other embodiments are possible, variations can be made to the embodiments described herein, and there may be equivalents to the components, parts, or steps that make up the described embodiments. For the sake of clarity and conciseness, certain aspects of components or steps of certain embodiments are presented without undue detail where such detail would be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein and / or where such detail would obfuscate an understanding of more pertinent aspects of the embodiments.

[0030] Some of the techniques described above can be implemented on a computing device associated with a gaming device (e.g., a roulette mechanism), a plurality of computing devices associated with a plurality of gaming devices, a controller in communication with the gaming device(s) (e.g., a controller configured to synchronize the gaming devices(s)), or a plurality of controllers in communication with the gaming device(s). Additionally’, some of the techniques may be distributed between the computing device(s) and the controller(s). FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computing system that includes hardware modules, software module, and a combination thereof and that can be implemented as the computing device and / or as the server.

[0031] In a basic configuration, the computing system may include at least a processor, a system memory, a storage device, input / output peripherals, communication099823.00066314897-6164- 1575 1 - 12 -Docket No. 099823.000664 peripherals, and an interface bus. Instructions stored in the memory may be executed by the processor to perform a variety of methods and operations, including the shooter selection and console mirroring, as described above. The computing system components may be present in the gaming device, in a server or other component of a network, or distributed between some combinations of such devices.

[0032] The interface bus is configured to communicate, transmit, and transfer data, controls, and commands between the various components of the electronic device. The system memory and the storage device comprise computer readable storage media, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, hard-drives, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, flash memory, and other tangible storage media. Any of such computer readable storage medium can be configured to store instructions or program codes embodying aspects of the disclosure. Additionally, the system memory comprises an operation system and applications. The processor is configured to execute the stored instructions and can comprise, for example, a logical processing unit, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, and the like.

[0033] The system memory and the storage device may also comprise computer readable signal media. A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein. Such a propagated signal may take any of variety of forms including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use in connection with the computing system.

[0034] Further, the input and output peripherals include user interfaces such as a keyboard, screen, microphone, speaker, other input / output devices, and computing components such as digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converters, graphical processing units, serial ports, parallel ports, and universal serial bus. The input / output peripherals may also include a variety of sensors, such as light, proximity7, GPS, magnetic field, altitude, and velocity / acceleration. RSSI, and distance sensors, as well as other types of sensors. The input / output peripherals may be connected to the processor through any of the ports coupled to the interface bus.

[0035] The user interfaces can be configured to allow a user of the computing system to interact with the computing system. For example, the computing system may include instructions that, when executed, cause the computing system to generate a user099823 000663U897-6164- 1575 1 - 13 -Docket No. 099823.000664 interface and carry out other methods and operations that the user can use to provide input to the computing system and to receive an output from the computing system.

[0036] This user interface may be in the form of a graphical user interface that is rendered at the screen and that is coupled with audio transmitted on the speaker and microphone and input received at the keyboard. In an embodiment, the user interface can be locally generated at the computing system. In another embodiment, the user interface may be hosted on a remote computing system and rendered at the computing system. For example, the server may generate the user interface and may transmit information related thereto to the computing device that, in turn, renders the user interface to the user. The computing device may, for example, execute a browser or an application that exposes an application program interface (API) at the server to access the user interface hosted on the server.

[0037] Finally, the communication peripherals of the computing system are configured to facilitate communication between the computing system and other computing systems (e.g., between the computing device and the server) over a communications network. The communication peripherals include, for example, a network interface controller, modem, various modulators / demodulators and encoders / decoders. wireless and wired interface cards, antenna, and the like.

[0038] The communication network includes a network of any ty pe that is suitable for providing communications between the computing device and the server and may comprise a combination of discrete networks which may use different technologies. For example, the communications network includes a cellular network, a WiFi / broadband network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a telephony network, a fiber-optic network, or combinations thereof. In an example embodiment, the communication network includes the Internet and any networks adapted to communicate with the Internet. The communications network may be also configured as a means for transmitting data between the computing device and the server.

[0039] The techniques described above may be embodied in, and fully or partially automated by, code modules executed by one or more computers or computer processors. The code modules may’ be stored on any type of non-transitory computer-readable medium or computer storage device, such as hard drives, solid state memory, optical disc, and / or the like. The processes and algorithms may be implemented partially or wholly in applicationspecific circuitry. The results of the disclosed processes and process steps may be stored, persistently or otherwise, in any type of non-transitory computer storage such as. e.g., volatile or non-volatile storage.099823 000663 897-6164- 1575 1 - 14 -Docket No. 099823.000664

[0040] In an embodiment, a roulette wheel system is comprising: an annular stationary rim including a circular opening and a track upon which a roulette ball is launched during a game cycle; a roulette wheel positioned within the circular opening and configured to rotate separate from the stationary rim, the stationary rim being positioned above and sloping downwards toward the roulette wheel; a plurality of pockets configured to rotate with the roulette wheel, a pocket among the plurality of pockets configured to hold the roulette ball after exiting the track toward an end of the game cycle; an optical display system comprising a plurality of lighting elements configured to generate a lighting effect including gaming information corresponding to each pocket among the plurality7of pockets during the game cycle; a lightguide including a base and a plurality' of lightguide elements, the lightguide extending from the optical display system to a surface area, each lightguide element among the plurality of lightguide elements positioned over a lighting element among the plurality of lighting elements; and a controller providing signal content to the optical display system, the signal content producing the lighting effect.

[0041] In the embodiment, w herein the surface is one of a surface of the stationary rim, a surface of the roulette wheel, and a surface of the plurality of pockets.

[0042] In the embodiment, wherein the base is an opaque plate having a plurality of holes formed in the plate, each hole among the plurality of holes corresponding to a lighting element, each hole permitting light from the lighting element to pass through the hole without passing to an adjoining lighting element.

[0043] In the embodiment, w herein the plurality of lightguide elements are transparent and each lightguide element among the plurality' of lightguide elements corresponds to a hole in the base, wherein each lightguide element passes light from the corresponding hole to the surface.

[0044] In the embodiment, wherein each lightguide element is positioned in the corresponding hole.

[0045] In the embodiment, wherein each lightguide element is positioned over the corresponding hole.

[0046] In the embodiment, wherein the base is a transparent plate having a plurality of holes formed in the plate, each hole among the plurality of holes corresponding to a lighting element, each hole permitting light from the lighting element to pass through the hole to the plurality of lightguide elements.

[0047] In the embodiment, wherein the base is an opaque plate with a plurality of transparent areas, each transparent area positioned above a lighting element, and the plurality099823 000663U897-6164- 1575 1 - 15 -Docket No. 099823.000664 of lightguide elements are a plurality of transparent blocks, each transparent block positioned above a transparent area, each transparent block permitting light from the lighting element to pass through the transparent block to the surface.

[0048] In the embodiment, wherein the lighting effect communicates at least one of a position of the roulette ball, a number, a symbol, a color, a bonus, a winning outcome, and an animation.

[0049] In the embodiment, wherein the optical display system is one of an array and a continuous circle.

[0050] In the embodiment, wherein the plurality' of lighting elements comprises at least one of: an LED array, a projection device, and one or more liquid crystal displays.

[0051] In the embodiment, wherein the lighting effect produces visible symbols along a perimeter of the plurality of pockets.

[0052] In the embodiment, further comprising a cone covering a central portion of the roulette wheel, and wherein the optical display system further produces, based on the signal content from the controller, gaming information on the cone.

[0053] In the embodiment, wherein the gaming information shows at least one of a pocket symbol, a winning amount, and a bonus value.

[0054] In an embodiment, a method is comprising: receiving gaming information from at least one sensor associated with a roulette wheel system, the roulette wheel system comprising a stationary rim including a track upon which a roulette ball is launched during a game cycle, a roulette wheel configured to rotate separate from the stationary rim, the stationary rim being positioned above and sloping downwards toward the roulette wheel, and a plurality' of pockets configured to rotate with the roulette wheel, a pocket among the plurality of pockets configured to hold the roulette ball when the roulette ball exists the track and falls to the roulette wheel at an end of the game cycle; determining, by a controller, a lighting effect responsive to the gaming information; and producing, by an optical display system and a lightguide the lighting effect on a surface, the optical display system comprising a plurality of lighting elements configured to generate the lighting effect including gaming information corresponding to each pocket among the plurality of pockets during the game cycle, the lightguide including a base and a plurality’ of lightguide elements, the lightguide extending from the optical display system to the surface area, each lightguide element among the plurality' of lightguide elements positioned over a lighting element among the plurality of lighting elements.099823.000663X4897-6164- 1575.1 - 16 -Docket No. 099823.000664

[0055] In the embodiment, wherein the surface is one of a surface of the stationary rim, a surface of the roulette wheel, and a surface of the plurality of pockets.

[0056] In the embodiment, wherein the base is an opaque plate having a plurality of holes formed in the plate, each hole among the plurality of holes corresponding to a lighting element, each hole permitting light from the lighting element to pass through the hole without passing to an adjoining lighting element.

[0057] In the embodiment, wherein the plurality of lightguide elements are transparent and each lightguide element among the plurality' of lightguide elements corresponds to a hole in the base, wherein each lightguide element passes light from the corresponding hole to the surface.

[0058] In the embodiment, wherein each lightguide element is positioned in the corresponding hole.

[0059] In the embodiment, wherein each lightguide element is positioned over the corresponding hole.

[0060] In the embodiment, wherein the base is a transparent plate having a plurality of holes formed in the plate, each hole among the plurality of holes corresponding to a lighting element, each hole permitting light from the lighting element to pass through the hole to the plurality' of lightguide elements.

[0061] In the embodiment, wherein the base is an opaque plate with a plurality of transparent areas, each transparent area positioned above a lighting element, and the plurality of lightguide elements are a plurality of transparent blocks, each transparent block positioned above a transparent area, each transparent block permitting light from the lighting element to pass through the transparent block to the surface.

[0062] In the embodiment, wherein the lighting effect communicates at least one of a position of the roulette ball, a number, a symbol, a color, a bonus, a winning outcome, and an animation.

[0063] In the embodiment, further comprising a cone covering a central portion of the roulette wheel, and wherein the optical display system further produces, based on the signal content from the controller, gaming information on the cone, wherein the gaming information shows at least one of a pocket symbol, a winning amount, and a bonus value.

[0064] In the embodiment, wherein the lighting effect creates an illusion of stationary text on one or more of a surface of the roulette wheel and a surface of the plurality of pockets as the roulette wheel and the plurality of pockets rotate.099823 000663U897-6164- 1575 1 - 17 -Docket No. 099823.000664

[0065] As previously noted, the various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and sub- combinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain method or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks or states relating thereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example, described blocks or states may be performed in an order other than that specifically disclosed, or multiple blocks or states may be combined in a single block or state. The example blocks or states may be performed in serial, in parallel, or in some other manner. Blocks or states may be added to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. The example systems and components described herein may be configured differently than described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged compared to the disclosed example embodiments.

[0066] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, "can," "could," "might." "may." “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and / or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms ‘'comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0067] The present disclosure describes particular embodiments and their detailed construction and operation. The embodiments described herein are set forth by way of illustration only and not limitation. Those skilled in the art will recognize, in light of the teachings herein, that there may be a range of equivalents to the exemplary embodiments described herein. Most notably, other embodiments are possible, variations can be made to the embodiments described herein, and there may be equivalents to the components, parts, or steps that make up the described embodiments. For the sake of clarity’ and conciseness, certain aspects of components or steps of certain embodiments are presented without undue099823 000663U897-6164- 1575 1 - 18 -Docket No. 099823.000664 detail where such detail would be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein and / or where such detail would obfuscate an understanding of more pertinent aspects of the embodiments.

[0068] The terms and descriptions used above are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that those and many other variations, enhancements and modifications of the concepts described herein are possible without departing from the underlying principles of the invention. The scope of the invention should therefore be determined only by the following claims and their equivalents.099823 000663\4897-6164- 1575 1 - 19 -

Claims

Docket No. 099823.000664What is claimed:

1. A roulette wheel system, comprising: an annular stationary rim including a circular opening and a track upon which a roulette ball is launched during a game cycle; a roulette wheel positioned within the circular opening and configured to rotate separate from the stationary rim, the stationary rim being positioned above and sloping downwards toward the roulette wheel; a plurality' of pockets configured to rotate with the roulette wheel, a pocket among the plurality of pockets configured to hold the roulette ball after exiting the track toward an end of the game cycle; an optical display system comprising a plurality of lighting elements configured to generate a lighting effect including gaming information corresponding to each pocket among the plurality of pockets during the game cycle; a lightguide including a base and a plurality of lightguide elements, the lightguide extending from the optical display system to a surface area, each lightguide element among the plurality of lightguide elements positioned over a lighting element among the plurality of lighting elements; and a controller providing signal content to the optical display system, the signal content producing the lighting effect.

2. The roulette wheel system of claim 1, wherein the surface is one of a surface of the stationary rim, a surface of the roulette wheel, and a surface of the plurality of pockets.

3. The roulette wheel system of claim 1, wherein the base is an opaque plate having a plurality of holes formed in the plate, each hole among the plurality of holes corresponding to a lighting element, each hole permitting light from the lighting element to pass through the hole without passing to an adjoining lighting element.

4. The roulette wheel system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of lightguide elements are transparent and each lightguide element among the plurality of lightguide elements corresponds to a hole in the base, wherein each lightguide element passes light from the corresponding hole to the surface.

5. The roulette wheel system of claim 4, wherein each lightguide element is positioned in the corresponding hole.099823 000663U897-6164- 1575 1 - 20 -Docket No. 099823.0006646. The roulete wheel system of claim 4, wherein each lightguide element is positioned over the corresponding hole.

7. The roulete wheel system of claim 1, wherein the base is a transparent plate having a plurality of holes formed in the plate, each hole among the plurality of holes corresponding to a lighting element, each hole permiting light from the lighting element to pass through the hole to the plurality of lightguide elements.

8. The roulete wheel system of claim 1, wherein the base is an opaque plate with a plurality of transparent areas, each transparent area positioned above a lighting element, and the plurality of lightguide elements are a plurality of transparent blocks, each transparent block positioned above a transparent area, each transparent block permiting light from the lighting element to pass through the transparent block to the surface.

9. The roulete wheel system of claim 1, wherein the lighting effect communicates at least one of a position of the roulete ball, a number, a symbol, a color, a bonus, a winning outcome, and an animation.

10. The roulete wheel system of claim 1, wherein the optical display system is one of an array and a continuous circle.

11. The roulette wheel system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of lighting elements comprises at least one of: an LED array, a projection device, and one or more liquid crystal displays.

12. The roulete wheel system of claim 1, wherein the lighting effect produces visible symbols along a perimeter of the plurality of pockets.

13. The roulete wheel system of claim 1, further comprising a cone covering a central portion of the roulete wheel, and wherein the optical display sy stem further produces, based on the signal content from the controller, gaming information on the cone.

14. The roulete wheel system of claim 13, wherein the gaming information shows at least one of a pocket symbol, a winning amount, and a bonus value.

15. A method, comprising:099823 000663U897-6164- 1575 1 - 21 -Docket No. 099823.000664 receiving gaming information from at least one sensor associated with a roulette wheel system, the roulette wheel system comprising a stationary rim including a track upon which a roulette ball is launched during a game cycle, a roulette wheel configured to rotate separate from the stationary rim, the stationary rim being positioned above and sloping dow nw ards tow ard the roulette wheel, and a plurality of pockets configured to rotate with the roulette wheel, a pocket among the plurality of pockets configured to hold the roulette ball when the roulette ball exists the track and falls to the roulette wheel at an end of the game cycle; determining, by a controller, a lighting effect responsive to the gaming information; and producing, by an optical display system and a lightguide the lighting effect on a surface, the optical display system comprising a plurality of lighting elements configured to generate the lighting effect including gaming information corresponding to each pocket among the plurality of pockets during the game cycle, the lightguide including a base and a plurality of lightguide elements, the lightguide extending from the optical display system to the surface area, each lightguide element among the plurality of lightguide elements positioned over a lighting element among the plurality of lighting elements.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the surface is one of a surface of the stationary rim, a surface of the roulette wheel, and a surface of the plurality of pockets.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the base is an opaque plate having a plurality of holes formed in the plate, each hole among the plurality of holes corresponding to a lighting element, each hole permitting light from the lighting element to pass through the hole without passing to an adjoining lighting element.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the plurality of lightguide elements are transparent and each lightguide element among the plurality of lightguide elements corresponds to a hole in the base, wherein each lightguide element passes light from the corresponding hole to the surface.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein each lightguide element is positioned in the corresponding hole.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein each lightguide element is positioned over the corresponding hole.099823.000663X4897-6164- 1575.1 - 22 -Docket No. 099823.00066421. The method of claim 15, wherein the base is a transparent plate having a plurality of holes formed in the plate, each hole among the plurality of holes corresponding to a lighting element, each hole permitting light from the lighting element to pass through the hole to the plurality of lightguide elements.

22. The method of claim 15, wherein the base is an opaque plate with a plurality of transparent areas, each transparent area positioned above a lighting element, and the plurality of lightguide elements are a plurality of transparent blocks, each transparent block positioned above a transparent area, each transparent block permitting light from the lighting element to pass through the transparent block to the surface.

23. The method of claim 15, wherein the lighting effect communicates at least one of a position of the roulette ball, a number, a symbol, a color, a bonus, a winning outcome, and an animation.

24. The method of claim 15, further comprising a cone covering a central portion of the roulette wheel, and wherein the optical display system further produces, based on the signal content from the controller, gaming information on the cone, wherein the gaming information shows at least one of a pocket symbol, a winning amount, and a bonus value.

25. The method of claim 15, wherein the lighting effect creates an illusion of stationary text on one or more of a surface of the roulette wheel and a surface of the plurality of pockets as the roulette wheel and the plurality of pockets rotate.099823 000663U897-6164- 1575 1 - 23 -

Images