Gaming display with moveable indicator and methods of use

Abstract

A gaming apparatus includes a display device that has a display surface. The display surface can be moved and has indicia mounted on the display surface. A guide track holds the display surface. The guide track guides the shape of the display surface. A display device actuator is in communication with the display surface and moves the display surface. A controller is in communication with the display device actuator. The controller is configured to position the display surface such that at least one of the indicia appearing on the display surface conveys a game outcome. Several game embodiments using a guide track are disclosed.

1 . A gaming apparatus comprising: 
 (A) a display device having a moveable display surface, the moveable display surface comprising a plurality of indicia;    (B) at least one guide track retaining at least a portion of the moveable display surface, the guide track being adapted to alter a position of the moveable display surface;    (C) at least one roller, the roller supporting at least a portion of the display surface;    (D) an actuator coupled with the moveable display surface such that the actuator can move the moveable display surface; and    (E) a controller in communication with the actuator, the controller being configured to move the display surface such that the display surface undulates between the guide track and the roller.    
     
     
         2 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the guide track has a slot that extends along the guide track.  
     
     
         3 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the moveable display surface has an edge, the edge having a bead.  
     
     
         4 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the bead is retained by the slot.  
     
     
         5 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the controller positions the display surface such that at least one of the indicia indicates a game outcome.  
     
     
         6 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the moveable display surface simulates moving water.  
     
     
         7 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein an indicator is positioned adjacent the display surface, the indicator being configured to indicate at least one of the indicia.  
     
     
         8 . A method of gaming not necessarily in the order shown, comprising: 
 (A) determining a game outcome;    (B) moving a display surface, the display surface having a plurality of indicia;    (C) guiding the display surface using a guide track to form a concave portion of the display surface;    (D) guiding the display surface using a roller to form a convex portion of the display surface;    (E) stopping the display surface; and    (F) indicating at least one of the indicia as the game outcome.    
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the game outcome is indicated by a moveable indicator.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein a player is allowed to move the indicator using a player input device.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the display surface undulates as it moves through the convex and concave portions.  
     
     
         12 . A gaming apparatus comprising: 
 (A) display device means for displaying a plurality of indicia, the indicia being adapted to communicate a game outcome;    (B) actuator means for moving the display device means, the actuator means being coupled with the display device means;    (C) guide means for positioning the display device means into at least two shapes;    (D) indicator means for indicating at least one of the indicia as the game outcome;    (E) controller means for controlling movement of the display device means, the controller means being in communication with the actuator means, the controller means being configured to move the display device means and to stop the display device means.    
     
     
         13 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the display device means further comprises a flexible belt having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a pair of edges.  
     
     
         14 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the guide means further comprises a guide track that has a slot, the edge being retained in the slot.  
     
     
         15 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the guide means further comprises at least one roller, the roller being in contact with the inner surface.  
     
     
         16 . A gaming apparatus comprising: 
 (A) a moveable display surface;    (B) a plurality of indicia disposed on the display surface;    (C) at least one guide track retaining at least a portion of the moveable display surface, the guide track being adapted to alter a position of the moveable display surface;    (D) at least one roller supporting at least a portion of the moveable display surface,    (E) an actuator coupled to the moveable display surface; and    (F) a controller in communication with the actuator, the controller being configured to: 
 (a) determine a game outcome;  
 (b) move the moveable display surface; and  
 (c) stop the moveable display surface such that at least one of the indicia conveys the game outcome.  
   
     
     
         17 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the moveable display surface simulates moving water.  
     
     
         18 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein an indicator is mounted adjacent to the moveable display surface.  
     
     
         19 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the indicator is shaped to resemble a boat.  
     
     
         20 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein a panel is mounted adjacent to the indicator.  
     
     
         21 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein a player input device is in communication with the controller, the player input device allowing a player to position the indicator.