Realistic video reels

Abstract

Described herein is a gaming machine configured to output video data that simulates mechanical reels in a traditional mechanical slot machine. Embodiments detailed herein contribute to the emulation and perception of a mechanical machine by providing video data adaptations that each simulate a realistic visual attribute of a mechanical reel gaming machine.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A gaming machine comprising:
 a cabinet defining an interior region of the gaming machine, the cabinet adapted to house a plurality of gaming machine components within or about the interior region;   a curved display disposed within or about the interior region configured to display game data;   a touchscreen, wherein the touchscreen is transparent or translucent; and   a panel having a window portion, wherein the window portion is significantly transparent or translucent, and a peripheral portion, wherein the peripheral portion is configured to display game information;   wherein the panel is positioned between the touchscreen and the curved display such that a common line of sight passes through the touchscreen, the panel and the curved display;   wherein game data is visible through the panel and the touchscreen; and   wherein game information is visible through the touchscreen.   
     
     
         2 . The gaming machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a light valve positioned between the curved display and the panel; wherein the light valve selectively permits light to pass through. 
     
     
         3 . The gaming machine of  claim 1 , wherein the panel includes an LCD or OLED a display. 
     
     
         4 . The gaming machine of  claim 3 , wherein the peripheral portion includes the LCD or OLED display. 
     
     
         5 . The gaming machine of  claim 1 , wherein the game data corresponds to a video reel portion of a video slot machine. 
     
     
         6 . The gaming machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a processor configured to execute instructions, from memory, that permits game play of a reel game of chance, wherein the game data displayed by the curved display corresponds to multiple video reels. 
     
     
         7 . The gaming machine of  claim 1 , wherein the panel includes a plurality of window portions separated by a plurality of bar portions such that the panel is designed to look like a traditional mechanical slot machine. 
     
     
         8 . A method of providing a game of chance on a gaming machine, the method comprising:
 displaying a first portion of the game of chance on a curved display included in the gaming machine;   displaying a second portion of the game of chance on a peripheral portion of a panel included in the gaming machine, wherein the panel includes a window portion that is significantly transparent or translucent;   receiving a user input on a touchscreen, wherein the touchscreen is transparent or translucent; and   wherein the game of chance includes multiple video reels displayed on the curved display, and each video real includes multiple video symbols on a video reel strip;   wherein the panel is positioned between the touchscreen and the curved display such that a common line of sight passes through the touchscreen, the panel, and the curved display;   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising simulating movement of the multiple video symbols on each video reel strip. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising selectively restricting the line of sight by varying the operation of a light valve in the gaming machine. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the light valve is positioned between the curved display and the panel. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising simulating a visual imperfection associated in with viewing a real glass plate on a gaming machine in the panel. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the visual imperfection includes a simulated frayed or discolored sticker. 
     
     
         14 . A gaming machine comprising:
 a cabinet defining an interior region of the gaming machine, the cabinet adapted to house a plurality of gaming machine components within or about the interior region;   a curved display disposed within or about the interior region configured to display multiple video reels, wherein each video reel includes multiple video symbols on a video reel strip, wherein the curved display is curved about an axis;   a touchscreen, wherein the touchscreen is transparent or translucent; and   a planar display having a window portion, wherein the window portion is significantly transparent or translucent, and a peripheral portion, wherein the peripheral portion is configured to display game information;   wherein the planar display is positioned between the touchscreen and the curved display such that a common line of sight passes through the touchscreen, the planar display and the curved display, wherein the common line of sight is perpendicular to the axis;   wherein the multiple video reels are visible through the planar display and the touchscreen; and   wherein game information is visible through the touchscreen.   
     
     
         15 . The gaming machine of  claim 14 , further comprising a light valve positioned between the curved display and the planar display; wherein the light valve selectively permits light to pass through. 
     
     
         16 . The gaming machine of  claim 14 , wherein the planar display includes an LCD or an OLED a display. 
     
     
         17 . The gaming machine of  claim 16 , wherein the peripheral portion includes the LCD or OLED display. 
     
     
         18 . The gaming machine of  claim 14 , wherein the planar display is an LCD or an OLED. 
     
     
         19 . The gaming machine of  claim 14 , wherein the planar display includes a plurality of window portions separated by a plurality of bar portions such that the planar display is designed to look like a traditional mechanical slot machine. 
     
     
         20 . The gaming machine of  claim 14 , wherein the game information relates to any of a pay table, credit information, or a bonus game.