U.S. patent application number 09/968933 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-03 for lighted gaming diplay device.
Invention is credited to Henshaw, Lawrence M., Seelig, Jerald C..
Application Number | 20040106450 09/968933 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32393907 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040106450 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Seelig, Jerald C. ; et
al. |
June 3, 2004 |
Lighted gaming diplay device
Abstract
A lighted gaming display device for use with a gaming machine.
The display device includes a wall defining a cavity. The wall has
a partially transparent portion. A player can view light emitted
from within the cavity. One or more light sources are mounted in
the cavity. The light sources are adapted to emit light. A
distorting reflective material is mounted in the cavity. The light
reflected by the distorting reflective material to the player
appears different than the light incident upon the distorting
reflective material.
Inventors: |
Seelig, Jerald C.; (Absecon,
NJ) ; Henshaw, Lawrence M.; (Hammonton, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
IAN F. BURNS & ASSOCIATES
1575 DELUCCHI LANE, SUITE 222
RENO
NV
89502
US
|
Family ID: |
32393907 |
Appl. No.: |
09/968933 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/30 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3211 20130101;
G07F 17/3202 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/030 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A display device configured to be used with a gaming device, the
display device comprising: (a) a container, the container having a
wall defining a cavity, at least a portion of the wall being
partially transparent, wherein a player may view a portion of the
cavity of the container; (b) a plurality of light emitting diodes
mounted in the cavity, the light emitting diodes being adapted to
emit light; (c) a distorting reflective material mounted in the
cavity, the distorting reflective material adapted to distort light
reflected from the distorting reflective material; and (d) a
controller in communication with the light emitting diodes, the
controller being configured to cause the light emitting diodes to
emit light, wherein at least a portion of the light emitted by the
light emitting diodes is incident upon the reflective material and
is distorted and reflected toward the player.
2. The display device of claim 1 wherein the light emitting diodes
are configured to emit light in a plurality of wavelengths.
3. The display device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of light
emitting diodes comprises at least a first and second light
emitting diode, wherein the controller is configured to cause the
first light emitting diode of the plurality of light emitting
diodes to emit light at a different time than the second light
emitting diode of the plurality of light emitting diodes.
4. The display device of claim 3 wherein the first light emitting
diode of the plurality of light emitting diodes is configured to
emit light in a different wavelength than the second light emitting
diode of the plurality of light emitting diodes.
5. The display device of claim 1 further comprising a mirror
mounted adjacent to the cavity, wherein at least a portion of the
light emitted by the light emitting diodes is incident upon the
mirror.
6. The display device of claim 1 wherein the distorting reflective
material is positioned on at least a portion of an inner
circumference of the cavity.
7. The display device of claim 1 wherein the distorting reflective
material is attached to the wall.
8. The display device of claim 5 wherein the mirror is mounted to
the wall.
9. The display device of claim 1 wherein the container is
substantially cylindrical having a curved surface and at least one
substantially planar end, wherein the reflective material is
positioned on at least a portion of the curved surface.
10. The display device of claim 9 further comprising a mirror on at
least a portion of the end.
11. The display device of claim 1 wherein the distorting reflective
material distorts light similar to a prism.
12. The display device of claim 9 wherein the distorting reflective
material comprises a surface holographic embossed polyester
film.
13. The display device of claim 1 wherein the display device is
mounted to a slot machine.
14. A display device configured to be used with gaming devices, the
display device comprising: (a) a wall, the wall defining a cavity
and having at least a partially transparent portion, wherein a
player can view light emitted from within the cavity; (b) a light
source mounted in the cavity, the light source being adapted to
emit light; and (c) a distorting reflective material mounted in the
cavity, wherein light reflected by the distorting reflective
material is different than light incident on the reflective
material.
15. The display device of claim 14 wherein the light source is a
light emitting diode.
16. The display device of claim 14 wherein the light source is an
incandescent light.
17. The display device of claim 14 wherein the light source is a
fluorescent light.
18. The display device of claim 14 wherein the light source is a
neon light.
19. The display device of claim 14 wherein the light source is a
laser.
20. The display device of claim 14 further comprising a controller
in communication with the light source, the controller being
configured to cause the light source to emit light.
21. The display device of claim 14 wherein the light source is
adapted to emit light in predetermined intervals.
22. The display device of claim 14 further comprising a mirror
mounted adjacent to the cavity, wherein at least a portion of the
emitted light is incident upon the mirror.
23. The display device of claim 14 wherein the distorting
reflective material is positioned on at least a portion of an inner
circumference of the cavity.
24. The display device of claim 14 wherein the distorting
reflective material is mounted to the wall.
25. The display device of claim 22 wherein the mirror is mounted to
the wall.
26. The display device of claim 14 wherein the container is
substantially cylindrical having a curved surface and at least one
substantially planar end, wherein the reflective material is
positioned on at least a portion of the curved surface.
27. The display device of claim 26 further comprising a mirror on
at least a portion of the end.
28. The display device of claim 14 wherein the distorting
reflective material distorts light similar to a prism.
29. The display device of claim 14 wherein the distorting
reflective material comprises a surface holographic embossed
polyester film.
30. The display device of claim 14 wherein the display device is
mounted to a slot machine.
31. The display device of claim 14 wherein the light source is a
plurality of light emitting diodes that are mounted in the
cavity.
32. The display device of claim 31 wherein the plurality of light
emitting diodes are mounted to a base.
33. The display device of claim 31 wherein the plurality of light
emitting diodes comprises a first and second light emitting diode,
wherein a controller is configured to cause the first light
emitting diode to emit light at a different time than the second
light emitting diode.
34. The display device of claim 31 wherein the first light emitting
diode is configured to emit light in a different wavelength than
the second light emitting diode.
35. The display device of claim 14 wherein at least one game symbol
is positioned within the cavity.
36. The display device of claim 31 wherein light from the light
emitting diode is incident upon the game symbol and is reflected by
the game symbol.
37. The display device of claim 31 wherein light reflected from the
distorting reflective material is incident upon the game symbol and
is reflected by the game symbol.
38. The display device of claim 31 wherein light reflected from a
mirror is incident upon the game symbol and is reflected by the
game symbol.
39. The display device of claim 31 wherein the game symbol is
rotated.
40. A method of illuminating a gaming device comprising: (a)
providing a container having a cavity, the container being
partially transparent, wherein a player may view a portion of the
cavity of the container; (b) providing a plurality of light
emitting diodes mounted in the cavity; (c) providing a distorting
reflective material mounted in the cavity; (d) emitting light from
the light emitting diodes, a portion of the emitted light being
incident upon the distorting reflective material; and (e)
refracting the light that is incident upon the reflective material
toward the player such that the player views light that has been
distorted.
41. The method of claim 40 wherein the light emitting diodes emit
light in a plurality of wavelengths.
42. The method of claim 40, further comprising turning the light
emitting diodes on and off.
43. The method of claim 40, further comprising transmitting the
light from the light emitting diodes onto a mirror.
44. The method of claim 40 wherein the distorting reflective
material comprises a surface holographic embossed polyester
film.
45. The method of claim 40 wherein at least one game symbol is
positioned within the cavity.
46. The method of claim 45, further comprising transmitting the
light from the light emitting diodes onto the game symbol and
reflecting from the game symbol.
47. The method of claim 40, further comprising the reflected light
from the reflective material being incident upon the game symbol
and reflecting from the game symbol.
48. The method of claim 43, further comprising the reflected light
from the mirror being incident upon the game symbol and reflecting
from the game symbol.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a lighted gaming display
device for use with a gaming machine that distorts and reflects
light. The light source is a matrix of light emitting diodes.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Gaming Devices
[0005] Gaming devices are well known in the art and a large variety
of gaming devices have been developed. In general, gaming devices
allow users or players to play a game. In many casino-type gaming
devices, the outcome of the game depends, at least in part, on a
randomly generated event. For example, a gaming device may use a
random number generator to generate a random or pseudo-random
number. The random number may then be compared to a predefined
table to determine the outcome of the event. If the random number
falls within a certain range of numbers on the table, the player
may win a predefined prize. The table may also contain display
information that allows the gaming device to generate a display
that corresponds to the outcome of the game. The gaming device may
present the outcome of the game on a large variety of display
devices, such as mechanical spinning reels or video screens.
[0006] Bonus Prizes
[0007] Some gaming devices award bonuses in addition to prizes that
are awarded in the primary game. A bonus can be defined as an
additional prize that is awarded to the player when a predefined
event occurs. An example of a bonus game can be found in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,848,932 issued to Adams. One of the gaming devices described
in this document comprises three spinning reels and a spinning
wheel bonus display. When predetermined indicia are displayed on
the spinning reels of the primary game, the wheel can be activated
to indicate a bonus prize. The bonus prize is awarded in addition
to any prizes awarded in the primary game.
[0008] Generally, bonus prizes are offered in such games in order
to increase the excitement and enjoyment experienced by players.
This attracts more players to the game and encourages players to
play longer. When gaming devices attract more players and the
players play longer, they tend to be more commercially successful
relative to other gaming devices.
[0009] Display Devices
[0010] In addition, highly visible display devices are utilized on
gaming devices in order to attract players. Once players are
attracted to the gaming device, they tend to play longer because
the display device enhances the stimulation and excitement
experienced by players. It is, therefore, desirable for gaming
devices to incorporate highly visible display devices.
[0011] Display devices also tend to be more successful if they
stimulate one or more of the human senses. Players are attracted to
games that use light, sound and touch. Display devices that arouse
the human senses are more stimulating to a game player and as a
result are played for longer periods of time. This results in
increased revenue for the gaming operator.
[0012] One of the mediums used in display devices to attract the
attention of players is light. Many casino games have combinations
of flashing lights. A portion of the present casino games use white
and colored incandescent lights, some use fluorescent lights and
some use neon lights.
[0013] While lights have been used in conjunction with display
devices, a current unmet need exists for a display device that
utilizes light to produce an image that is entertaining, attractive
and yet distinctive from other lighted displays.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0014] 1. Advantages of the Invention
[0015] One of the advantages of the present invention is that it
provides a gaming device that utilizes a highly visible display
device.
[0016] A further advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a display device that may be used with a primary game or a
bonus game.
[0017] Another advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a display device that utilizes light emitting diodes.
[0018] Another advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a display device that emits distorted light.
[0019] A further advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a display device that utilizes a light-distorting
medium.
[0020] Another advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a display device that is attractive and entertaining to
game players.
[0021] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a display device that emits light in different
wavelengths.
[0022] These and other advantages of the present invention may be
realized by reference to other portions of the specification,
claims, and abstract.
[0023] 2. Brief Description of the Invention
[0024] The present invention comprises a lighted display device for
use with a gaming machine. The display device includes a wall. The
wall defines a cavity and has at least a partially transparent
portion. A player can view light emitted from within the cavity.
One or more light emitting diodes are mounted in the cavity. The
light emitting diodes are adapted to emit light. A distorting
reflective material is mounted in the cavity. The light reflected
by the distorting reflective material is different than the light
incident on the reflective material.
[0025] The above description sets forth, rather broadly, the more
important features of the present invention so that the detailed
description of the preferred embodiment that follows may be better
understood and contributions of the present invention to the art
may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional
features of the invention that will be described below and will
form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before
explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of the construction and to the
arrangement of the components set forth in the following
description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in
the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0027] FIG. 1 is substantially a front view of the gaming display
device of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 is substantially a top cross-sectional view of FIG.
1.
[0029] FIG. 3 is substantially a side view of FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 4 is substantially a schematic diagram of an electrical
circuit for driving the light emitting diodes.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0031] Display Device
[0032] As seen in FIGS. 1-3, the present invention comprises a
lighted display device, generally indicated by reference number 20.
Display device 20 comprises a container 22, a wall 24, a
transparent portion 26, a cavity 30, a mirror 31, a distorting
reflective material 32, a light source 34 and a controller 40.
[0033] Display device 20 is mounted to a gaming device or apparatus
15. Gaming device 15 may be any of a large number of devices that
are adapted to allow a game player 60 to play a game. For example,
game apparatus 15 may utilize spinning reels 16 or a video display
(not shown) to display outcomes of the game. Means may also be
provided for accepting wagers, such as a coin slot 18 and for
awarding prizes, such as a coin dispenser 19. A handle 17 is
provided for activating game apparatus 15 to begin a game. Game
apparatus 15 may be a primary game such as a slot machine or can be
a bonus game.
[0034] Display device 20 comprises a container 22 that is adapted
to hold one or more game symbols 50 inside a cavity 30. Container
22 has a curved wall 24 with an inner surface 25 that defines
cavity 30. Container 22 has an outer surface 27. Container 22 has a
transparent portion 26 that allows players to view the game symbols
50 inside of the container. Container 22 is made of a transparent
material, such as plastic or glass. In the preferred embodiment,
container 22 is made of acrylic. Suitable containers of this type
may be obtained from Tripp Plastics of Reno, Nev. Container 22 may
have many different shapes, such as a sphere, cube, cylinder,
triangle, etc. In the preferred embodiment, container 22 is
substantially cylindrical with a planar end 29 and a base 28.
[0035] A distorting reflective material 32 is mounted in cavity 30
onto wall 24. The distorting reflective material 32 is a surface
holographic embossed polyester film commercially available from
Spetratek Technologies, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif. The film is
mounted to wall 24 using an adhesive. The distorting reflective
material 32 is adapted to distort light that is reflected or
refracted from the distorting reflective material. The distorting
reflective material 32 behaves similar to a prism in that it
distorts whatever is viewed through it. A mirror 31 is mounted to
planar end 29 in cavity 30.
[0036] A light source 34 is mounted on base 28 in cavity 30. Light
source 34 can be almost any source of light. Light source 34
preferably is a matrix of light emitting diodes (LED) 36. Light
source 34 can also be an incandescent light, a neon light, a laser
or a fluorescent light. The light emitting diodes 36 in the matrix
are selected to emit light in several different wavelengths
resulting in different colors of light. The light emitting diodes
are commercially available from LED effects, Rancho Cordova, Calif.
A controller 40 is electrically connected to the light emitting
diodes by a cable or wire harness 38. Controller 40 provides the
necessary voltage to cause the light emitting diodes to emit light.
The controller 40 can also cause different light emitting diodes to
emit light at different times. For example, a blue LED can be on
for one time period, then a green LED for a second time period and
then a red LED for a third time period.
[0037] A game symbol is shown mounted in cavity 50. Game symbol 50
is supported by a support post 52 that is mounted to base 29. Game
symbol 50 can be almost any game symbol that would be used in a
game. For example, game symbol 50 can be a coin, a playing card, a
picture or a ball. Game symbol 50 can be rotated or may be fixed in
place. While one game symbol 50 is shown, more may be added to
cavity 30.
[0038] Controller
[0039] Turning now to FIG. 4, a schematic diagram of controller 40
is shown. Controller 40 is adapted to control the operation of the
light emitting diodes. Controller 40 comprises integrated circuits
U1, U2, and U3, and a 5-volt power supply 80. Integrated circuit U2
and U3 are an 8-bit shift register. U2 and U3 contain an 8-bit
serial-in, parallel-out shift register that feeds an 8-bit D-type
storage register. Integrated circuit U1 is a 4-bit microcontroller.
Integrated circuits U2 and U3 are connected to the matrix 34 of
LEDs 36. Resistors R4-R19 are connected between each row of the
LEDs and 24 volts DC. The microcontroller U1 is programmed to turn
on rows of LEDs 36 in a pre-determined sequence for a predetermined
period of time. Controller 40 can be chained together to control
more matrices 34 of LEDs using connectors P2 and P3. A connector P1
provides a connection from the microcontroller U1 to power, ground
and an external trigger. Power supply 80 provides a 5-volt source
of power to integrated circuits U1, U2 and U3.
[0040] Controller 40 provides the necessary voltage to cause the
light emitting diodes to emit light. Controller 40 also allows
different color LEDs to emit light at different times.
[0041] Operation
[0042] The purpose of display device 20 is to attract and entertain
players. When display device 20 is lighted, it produces a vivid
display that attracts the attention of people nearby and provides
an exciting display for players playing gaming device 15. Light
source 34 transmits an incident ray of light 70 that impinges upon
distorting reflective material 32. Ray 70 is distorted and
refracted by materials 32 as a refracted ray of light 72. Refracted
ray of light 72 can travel through cavity 30 and transparent
portion 26 where is it viewed by game player 60. Light source 34
can also produce rays of light that travel toward other objects.
For example, incident rays of light may travel to mirror 31 where
they are reflected toward player 60 or toward distorting reflective
material 32. Incident rays of light may travel from LED 36 to game
symbol 50 where they are reflected toward player 60 or toward
distorting reflective material 32 or toward mirror 31. Similarly,
Incident rays of light may travel from LED 36 directly toward game
player 60.
[0043] Conclusion
[0044] It can now be seen that the present invention solves many of
the problems associated with the prior art. The present invention
provides a lighted display device that is attractive and
entertaining for use with a primary game or a bonus game. The
present invention provides a display device that utilizes a
distorting reflective material to reflect and refract light in a
manner that is visually appealing and unusual. The present
invention provides a display device that creates light displays and
images that attract attention to a gaming machine such as a slot
machine. Although the description above contains many
specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope
of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of
the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the
scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims
and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.
* * * * *