U.S. patent application number 11/127488 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-24 for gaming machine with light altering features.
This patent application is currently assigned to WMS Gaming, Inc.. Invention is credited to Bleich, Charles R., Canterbury, Stephen A., Cornell, Bradley D., Dorn, Peter, Irving, Scott M., Kopera, Thomas.
Application Number | 20050261057 11/127488 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35375866 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050261057 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bleich, Charles R. ; et
al. |
November 24, 2005 |
Gaming machine with light altering features
Abstract
A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a game
display and at least one illumination device. The game display is
for displaying the wagering game and the illumination device is for
presenting artistic elements such as marquee lettering and candle
lighting. One aspect of the illumination device is a formed
material with at least one LED embedded within. The formed material
contains light dispersion particles and is of a nature that allows
the light from the embedded LEDs to emit from the surface in an
effectively uniform manner. In a different embodiment, an
illumination device, comprised of a colored light source,
associated electronic components that are enclosed within the
gaming machine's housing, and a transparent object, directs light
from the light source through the structure of the transparent
object positioned over the source, and displays the color and
intended intensity of the light on an altered surface on the
transparent object.
Inventors: |
Bleich, Charles R.; (Cary,
IL) ; Canterbury, Stephen A.; (Antioch, IL) ;
Cornell, Bradley D.; (Chicago, IL) ; Dorn, Peter;
(Wood Dale, IL) ; Irving, Scott M.; (Chicago,
IL) ; Kopera, Thomas; (Villa Park, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JENKENS & GILCHRIST, P.C.
225 WEST WASHINGTON
SUITE 2600
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
WMS Gaming, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
35375866 |
Appl. No.: |
11/127488 |
Filed: |
May 12, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60572615 |
May 19, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/30 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/34 20130101;
G07F 17/3202 20130101; G07F 17/3211 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/030 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
It is claimed:
1. A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game, comprising: a
game display for displaying the wagering game; and at least one
illumination device including a light scattering material and a
light source embedded in the material.
2. The machine of claim 1, wherein the light source is selected
from the group consisting of a tinted light emitting diode (LED)
and an untinted LED.
3. The machine of claim 1, wherein the illumination device is
powered through an electrical connection element, and the
electrical connection element is formed to position the light
source throughout the shape of the illumination device and is
selected from a group including printed circuit boards (PCBs),
flexible circuit members, and electrical wiring.
4. The machine of claim 1, wherein the light scattering material is
selected from a group including resin, acrylic, or plastic-based
polymers, the material allowing light from the light source to pass
through the material and be emitted from a surface thereof in an
effectively uniform manner.
5. The machine of claim 4, wherein the light scattering material
contains light dispersing particles.
6. The machine of claim 4, wherein the light scattering material is
contained within a housing having walls with interior light
reflective material and exterior light absorbing material.
7. The machine of claim 1, wherein the illumination device is
selected from a group consisting of marquee artistic elements
including lettering, a candle extending from a top of the gaming
machine, bezel lighting for the game display or peripheral devices,
lighted game play buttons, and other artistic game lighting.
8. An illumination device for a gaming machine, the gaming machine
operable to conduct a wagering game, comprising: at least one light
source; an electrical connecting element for providing power to the
light source; and a light scattering material for displaying light
from the light source in an effectively uniform manner.
9. The illumination device of claim 8, wherein the light source is
selected from the group consisting of a tinted light emitting diode
(LED) and an untinted LED.
10. The illumination device of claim 8, wherein the electrical
connecting element is selected from a group including printed
circuit boards (PCBs), flexible circuit members, and electrical
wiring.
11. The illumination device of claim 8, wherein the electrical
connecting element is formable to effectively position light
sources throughout the shape of the illumination device.
12. The illumination device of claim 8, wherein the light
scattering material is resin, acrylic, or plastic-based polymers
that allow light to pass through from the light source embedded in
the material, said light emitting from the surface of the material
in an effectively uniform manner.
13. The illumination device of claim 8, wherein the light
scattering material is contained within a housing having walls with
interior light reflective material and exterior light absorbing
material.
14. A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game, comprising: a
game display for displaying the wagering game; and at least one
illumination device including a light source, a transparent
non-flat member, and a light-dispersing surface along a side of the
member, the light source being positioned to emit light through the
member such that the light impinges upon the light-dispersing
surface and becomes generally apparent to a player.
15. The machine of claim 14, wherein the light source includes an
LED.
16. The machine of claim 14, wherein the member is comprised of a
transparent material for transporting light and a translucent
material or material altered to be translucent for displaying
light.
17. The machine of claim 14, wherein the member is comprised of a
molded and extruded material selected from a group consisting of
acrylic, plastic, and glass.
18. The machine of claim 14, wherein the illumination device
includes electronics recessed within a housing of the gaming
machine.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119 of provisional application Ser. No. 60/572,615,
filed May 19, 2004, the contents of which are hereby incorporated
by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth.
COPYRIGHT
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark
Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all
copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates generally to gaming machines
and, more specifically, to a gaming machine with light altering
features.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines
and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for
several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines with
players is dependent on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of
winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value
of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Players
also appreciate the reliability of a gaming machine, as do the
casino operators. Shrewd operators consequently strive to employ
the most entertaining, exciting, and reliable machines available
because such machines attract frequent play and hence increase
profitability to the operator.
[0005] Gaming machines display a variety of visual attraction
devices, models, signs, and other forms of information. Methods
used to display these items include fixed permanently printed
glass, video displays, fixed artwork, model and marquee displays,
and various lighting techniques.
[0006] Lighting technology used in most gaming machines today
include incandescent, fluorescent, LED, and cold cathode
fluorescent lamp (CCFL). These techniques are used for many
applications including backlighting, direct lighting of model
displays, bezel lighting, tower lighting and others. A specific
example used in most gaming machines today is the backlighting
approach, most commonly associated with display glass and game
control buttons. Typically incandescent or florescent, this
application is relatively inexpensive and safe due to low wattage
requirements and because the light source is hidden. This technique
is limiting because the lighting sources used can fail, requiring
occasional replacement and some embarrassment, as the machine is
not then presented in its finest form. The visual display, because
of its flat or two-dimensional presentation, offers less design
options and thus becomes common and less interesting.
[0007] A more interesting signage or artwork effect can be obtained
by using CCFL or neon. But CCFL has limitations, as well. The
fragility of the glass and the higher voltage requirements result
in safety concerns that require manufacturers that offer CCFL,
especially in neon form, to use shields to prevent accidents.
Higher costs are another prohibitive factor when considering
CCFL.
[0008] LEDs, while reliable and inexpensive to power, are
individual pinpoints of light that require many numbers to create
the illusion of a single lighted object, when viewed from a
distance. When viewed at close range, the effect is obvious and
unique design options are numbered.
[0009] Fluorescent lighting is also limiting because of its
required shape. Restricted to tubes or round shapes, this option
limits the development of interesting lighting design. Fluorescent
lighting is also as fragile as CCFL adding safety concerns to its
design issues.
[0010] An inexpensive, safe, alternative lighting method that
disperses light from an embedded source within a substance and
emits it in a uniform fashion across its entire viewable surface,
or a method that passes light (virtually invisibly) through a
transparent objects structure and displays it specifically at an
altered point on the object, would benefit the manufacturer through
cost savings and new design options, and benefit the player through
safer, more interesting, game presentations and entertaining
visuals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
lighting device is presented that disperses light across its
viewable surface providing a look similar to neon. Comprised of
LEDs embedded within a material that can be cast into any shape,
the method and materials used in the lighting device introduce new
design possibilities and reduce safety issues typically associated
with glass materials used in many other lighting applications. In
accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a lighting
device is offered that encloses a colored light source and its
associated electronic components within the gaming machine's
housing, directs emitted light from the source through the
structure of a transparent object positioned over the lighting
source, and displays the color and intended intensity of the light
source on an altered surface on the transparent object.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will
become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and
upon reference to the drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine with
embedded LED lighting in accordance with the present invention
[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system suitable for
operating the gaming machine;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a front view of a gaming machine marquee with
embedded LED lighting.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an individual marquee letter
made with embedded LED lighting technology.
[0017] FIG. 5a is a front view of the individual marquee letter of
FIG. 4.
[0018] FIG. 5b is a front view showing the embedded components
within the individual marquee letter of FIG. 4.
[0019] FIG. 5c is a cutaway view showing the embedded components
within the individual marquee letter of FIG. 5b.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative signage
display using embedded LED lighting technology.
[0021] FIG. 7a is a front view of the individual signage display of
FIG. 6.
[0022] FIG. 7b is a front view showing the embedded components
within the individual signage display of FIG. 6.
[0023] FIG. 7c is a cutaway view showing the embedded components
within the individual signage display of FIG. 7b.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a candle device for a gaming
machine in accordance with the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 9a is a front view of the candle device of FIG. 8.
[0026] FIG. 9b is a front view showing representations of the
embedded components within the candle device of FIG. 8.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a front view of an alternative candle device.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a top view of the candle device of FIG. 10.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a cutaway view of the candle device of FIG.
10.
[0030] FIG. 13 illustrates a candle device using acrylic light pipe
technology.
[0031] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way
of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein.
However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended
to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the
invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] FIG. 1 depicts a gaming machine 10 operable to conduct a
slot-based wagering game. In operation, the gaming machine receives
a wager from a player to purchase a "play" of the game. In a "play"
of the game, the gaming machine generates at least one random event
and provides an award to the player for a winning outcome of the
random event. The random event may be internally or remotely
determined using a random number generator or pooling schema. To
portray the random event and outcome to the player, the gaming
machine includes a primary display 12. If the wagering game is a
reel slot game, for example, the primary display 12 includes a
plurality of symbol-bearing reels that are rotated and stopped to
place symbols on the reels in visual association with the pay
line.
[0033] The primary display 12 may be implemented with a CRT, LCD,
plasma, mechanical reels (in the case of a reel slot game), or
other type of display known in the art. The primary display 12,
especially if implemented in video, may be overlaid with a touch
screen to facilitate interaction with the player. In the
illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is an "upright"
version in which the primary display 12 is oriented vertically
relative to the player. Alternatively, the gaming machine may be a
"slant-top" version in which the primary display 12 is slanted at
about a thirty-degree angle toward the player of the gaming machine
10.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system suitable for
operating the gaming machine. Money/credit detector 22 signals a
central processing unit (CPU) 20 when a player has inserted money
or played a number of credits. Using a button panel 16 and/or a
touch screen 18 (also see FIG. 1), the player may select any
variables associated with the wagering game and place his/her wager
to purchase a play of the game. In a play of the game, the CPU 20
generates at least one random event using a random number generator
(RNG) and provides an award to the player for a winning outcome of
the random event. Alternatively, the random event may be generated
by a remote computer using an RNG or pooling schema and then
transmitted to the gaming machine. The CPU 20 operates the display
12 to represent the random event(s) and outcome(s) in a visual form
that can be understood by the player. In addition to the CPU 20,
the control system may include one or more additional slave control
units for operating the display 12 and any secondary displays.
[0035] System memory 24 stores control software, operational
instructions and data associated with the gaming machine. In one
embodiment, the system memory 24 comprises a separate read-only
memory (ROM) and battery-backed random-access memory (RAM).
However, it will be appreciated that the system memory 24 may be
implemented on any of several alternative types of memory
structures or may be implemented on a single memory structure. A
payoff mechanism 26 is operable in response to instructions from
the CPU 20 to award a payoff to the player. The payoff may, for
example, be in the form of a number of credits. The number of
credits is determined by one or more math tables stored in the
system memory 24. CPU 20 controls a number of peripheral devices
via serial links. One of the peripheral devices may, for example,
be a candle device 19. A microcontroller 23 on or connected to the
candle device 19 responds to commands from the CPU 20. The
microcontroller 23 signals a drive circuit 25 to "switch" certain
logic circuits on or off. In this example, the circuits provide
power to a peripheral device, in this example, light emitting
diodes (LEDs) 27.
[0036] FIG. 3 presents a front view of the gaming machine marquee
30 depicted in FIG. 1. The marquee 30 is for a video reel slot game
called "CLINT EASTWOOD A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS". In this embodiment,
the letters shown on this marquee 30 are lit with light emitting
diodes (LEDs) embedded in a substance that can be poured and
hardens, such as a resin or acrylic material, with uniform light
scattering characteristics creating a presentation similar to
neon.
[0037] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a letter "E" 34 from the
"CLINT EASTWOOD" 32 group of letters (see FIG. 3) on the gaming
marquee 30. The letter "E" 34 is comprised of an outer shell or
housing 36 made of plastic and a light scattering material 38 set
in the housing 36. The housing 36 is non-translucent and creates a
cup comprising all sides of the letter "E" 34 except the front. The
light scattering material 38 is a solid that emits light across its
entire viewable surface from within, in a uniform, consistent
fashion. The light scattering material typically contains light
dispersing particles uniformly added to create a milky or frosted
appearance.
[0038] FIG. 5a shows a front view of the letter "E" with the
housing 36 and the light scattering material 38. FIG. 5b shows
components embedded within the light scattering material 38. At the
back or bottom of the cup shape of the letter "E" 34, a printed
circuit board (PCB) 41 is positioned. LEDs 42 of the desired color
for the lettering are set into predetermined positions on the PCB
41. The predetermined positions are based on a uniform display of
the lighted, viewable surface of the letter, in this example, the
front. FIG. 5c is a cutaway view of the lower portion of the letter
"E" 34 of FIG. 5b. The position of the PCB 41 can be easily viewed
at the bottom of the cup created by the housing 36. LEDs 42 are
inserted into the PCB 41, typically by soldering into positions
predetermined for this particular component. Light scattering
material 38 covers the PCB/LED assembly. To power the PCB/LED
assembly, wiring 40 is connected to the PCB 41 through the housing
36 at the back or bottom of the letter "E" 34. The wiring 40 is
typically soldered into a circuit on the PCB 41 and is connected to
a power source on the gaming machine. Circuits on the PCB 41 carry
the necessary power to each LED 42. It will be appreciated that any
number of techniques can be used to supply power to the LEDs
including flexible circuits and direct wiring. Also protruding from
the back or bottom of the letter "E" 34 are threaded mounting studs
44. These are used to secure the letter to the marquee. The wiring
40 and the threaded mounting studs 44, both passing through the
housing 36, do so with enough tolerance that during the casting
process, minimal or no liquid light scattering material 38 passes
through the outer housing 36 through these points. Further
information regarding the light scattering material 38 and the
method of reflecting and dispersing light from the embedded light
source (LED 42) is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,592,238 Cleaver, et
al, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0039] FIG. 6 presents an alternative use of the embedded LED
technology in a gaming machine. A signage display 46, "MAHJONGG
MONEY", using glass artwork 50 that allows light to pass through
predetermined areas on the surface, incorporates the embedded LED
technology as the light source behind the glass artwork 50. The
housing 48 of the signage display 46 is non-translucent and creates
a cup comprising all sides of the signage display 46.
[0040] FIG. 7a shows a front view of the signage display 46
"MAHJONGG MONEY". The housing 48 and the glass artwork 50 are
visible in this view. With the glass artwork 50 removed, FIG. 7b is
a similar view to FIG. 7a. FIG. 7b shows components embedded within
the light scattering material 38. At the back or bottom of the cup
shape of the signage display 46, a printed circuit board (PCB) 54
is positioned. LEDs 56 of the desired color for the back lighting
are set into predetermined positions on the PCB 54. The
predetermined positions are based on a uniform display of the
lighted surface behind the glass artwork shown in FIG. 7a. FIG. 7c
is a cutaway view of the signage display 46 of FIG. 7a. The
position of the PCB 54 is at the bottom of the cup created by the
housing 48. LEDs 56 are inserted into the PCB 54, typically by
soldering into positions predetermined for this particular
component. Light scattering material 38 covers the PCB/LED
assembly. To power the PCB/LED assembly, wiring 52 is connected to
the PCB 54 through the housing 48 at the back or bottom of the
signage display 46. The wiring 52 is typically soldered into a
circuit on the PCB 54 and is connected to a power source on the
gaming machine. Circuits on the PCB 54 carry the necessary power to
each LED 56. Also protruding from the back or bottom of the signage
display 46 are threaded mounting studs 62. These are used to secure
the signage display 46 to the gaming machine. The wiring 52 and the
threaded mounting studs 62, both passing through the housing 48, do
so with enough tolerance that during the casting process, minimal
or no liquid light scattering material 38 passes through the
housing 48 through these points.
[0041] As will be appreciated by those with ordinary skill in the
art, the method by which the light component is created can be any
number of molding techniques including casting and removing the
form or direct pour into a mold or housing that is then used in the
application, as in this embodiment. The positioning of the embedded
light sources, for example, LEDs, is such that the general area
illuminated by an individual LED overlaps that of each adjacent LED
within the light scattering material creating the appearance of the
entire component being a singular light source.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, a candle device 19 (also known as a
tower light) on top of gaming machines, used to define the
denomination of a game, alert casino employees of an error or fault
condition, or identify a winning outcome can be manufactured using
the light scattering material with embedded LEDs. The LEDs can be
of differing, automatically changeable, colors depending on the
requirements of the lighting device. Referring to FIG. 8, an
external perspective view, the candle device 19 is comprised of a
housing 60 and the light scattering material 38. FIG. 9a is a front
view of the candle device 19 showing the housing 60, the light
scattering material 38 and a divider 68 that separates the top and
bottom of the candle device 19. This allows for varying light
presentations depending on the requirements of the game or the
casino. FIG. 9b shows the embedded components within the candle
device 19. In the upper half of the candle device 19, a number of
LEDs 64 connected in circuit to a PCB 62 is attached to the back of
the candle device's 19 housing 60. The bottom half of the candle
device 19 also has a number of LEDs 64 connected to a PCB 66. The
LEDs 64 in both halves can be the same color or two separate
colors. The LEDs 64 can also be mixed and different colors of
lighting can be displayed for different requirements. For example,
the top of the candle device 19 can contain an even mix of red
white and blue LEDs 64. The candle device 19 could then display a
flashing white light (using the white LEDs 64) when a player
presses a button to signal a casino employee for help or it could
display a solid blue light (using the blue LEDs 64) for another
purpose. As will be appreciated by those with ordinary skill in the
art, the number of different colors that can be displayed, the type
of lighting (flashing or static), the sequencing of the flashing,
and even the device containing the controlled lighting is dependent
on the requirements of the game, of the casino, and most notably,
of the jurisdictional requirements governing the casino. A gaming
manufacturer may develop software with all these requirements in
mind, and the candle device automatically responds to the gaming
software when an event occurs. The candle device 19 may be
controlled serially via a serial link that comprises a single
cable, which replaces a plurality of wires found in conventional
gaming devices. Examples of suitable serial links are a universal
serial bus (USB), IEEE1394, RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet, or the like.
The CPU 20 (see FIG. 2) communicates with a microprocessor on a PCB
in or attached to the candle device 19.
[0043] Controlling the candle device 19 serially also has other
advantages. The candle device's physical configuration would not
need altering for different gaming software. The gaming machine
software can be engineered to automatically display candle device
colors based on a predetermined set of criteria or the candle
device can be manually set by a technician through a command line
interface, for example. The number of tiers on a candle device 19
can be preprogrammed for specific games. Also, the software
controlling the candle device 19 can be separated from the gaming
code reducing the necessity of submitting gaming software for
review if changes are needed in the candle device's code. The
candle device is also a vulnerable point for electro-static
discharge (ESD). Using a serial interface based on differential
signals with its own power connection would substantially reduce
the susceptibility to ESD events. Another advantage to the candle
device 19, with the potential of displaying a number of different
colors, is the reduced difficulty in manufacturing different candle
devices to support varying casino requirements and the elimination
of physically changing candle lamp colors in the field.
[0044] In another embodiment, a candle device for a gaming machine
incorporates a vertically positioned acrylic pipe that directs
light upward from LEDs positioned under the bottom edges of the
pipe. The light from the LEDs is directed upward through the walls
of the pipe to a viewing area at the top of the pipe. FIG. 10 shows
a front view of such a candle device 58 constructed from acrylic
pipe. Light pipe 72 is attached to a PCB 76. PCB 76 acts as a base
and provides power to the LEDs that provide illumination for the
candle device assembly. LEDs 78 are positioned directly beneath the
walls of light pipe 72 and are connected to the PCB 76. The LEDs 78
may be colored, clear, white, or a combination. The inner and outer
surfaces of light pipe 72 are smooth. Light from the LEDs 78
travels up through the walls of light pipe 72 reflecting of the
inner wall 82 and the outer wall 80. A light-dispersing surface 74
at the top portion of the inner wall 82 is used to deflect the
light traveling up the wall of light pipe 72 and thus displaying
its brightness and color. Altering a portion of the inner wall 82
of the light pipe 72 creates the light-dispersing surface 74. Light
emitted from the LEDs 78 will only be emitted by the
light-dispersing surface 74. As will be appreciated by those with
ordinary skill in the art, the material used to create this
embodiment of the candle device 58 can be of any substance
supporting the characteristics required to transmit light between
its inner and outer surface and display it once the surface is
altered (changes the index of reflection). A number of materials
can be used including glass, clear plastics, and other similar
substances. The method by which the light-dispersing surface 74 is
created may also be any that supports changing the index of
reflection such as etching, grooving, adding a prism like material,
or coating the surface.
[0045] Another aspect of this embodiment is the positioning of the
candle device 58 in respect to the top of the gaming machine. FIG.
10 shows a representation of the top 84 of the gaming machine. The
PCB 76 is positioned well below the surface of the top 84 of the
gaming machine providing excellent electro-static discharge (ESD)
protection for the electronic components contained on PCB 76. Light
pipe 72 can be fitted with a cap to prevent objects from entering
the top of the pipe and damaging the components and/or circuitry on
the PCB 76.
[0046] FIG. 11 is a top view of the candle device 58 showing an
example of the proximity of the LEDs 78, connected to PCB 76, to
the wall of light pipe 72. The LEDs 78 emit light that travels up
through the walls of light pipe 72. FIG. 12 is a cutaway view of
candle device 58 showing the behavior of the light 86, 88 emitted
from the LEDs 78 into the wall of light pipe 72. LEDs 78, connected
to PCB 78 emit light as directed by the gaming machines CPU.
Emitted light 86 reflects off of outer wall 80 and inner wall 82 as
it travels upward. When it reaches the light-dispersing surface 74,
the index of reflection is changed (by the different
characteristics of the light-dispersing surface 74) and a visible
light 88 is now viewable outside of light pipe 72. FIG. 13 shows
another example of a candle device 58 using the acrylic light pipe
technology. In this example, two light pipes are being used to
present multiple lights. As will be appreciated by those with
ordinary skill in the art, multiple pipes may be used based on the
requirements for this type of lighting and is only limited by the
size of the device versus the amount of space available to
reasonably present it. Outer light pipe 72 and inner light pipe 70
reside on the same PCB 76 that, in turn, is safely positioned below
the top 84 of the gaming machine. Both pipes have the
light-dispersing surface 74. Because the majority of the outer
light pipe 72 is clear, the light dispersed from the
light-dispersing surface 74 on the inner light pipe 70 will easily
show through the outer light pipe 72. Light pipe 72 shows a cap 90
placed on top to prevent debris from falling into either light pipe
and damaging components within.
[0047] While the present invention has been described with
reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in
the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0048] For example, the embedded LED technology described in this
invention can be used in a number of places on a gaming machine.
Lighted buttons can be made from the light scattering material 38
with LEDs embedded within. A narrow band made from the light
scattering material 38 with embedded LEDs can be positioned around
a monitor or other peripheral devices on the gaming machine.
[0049] An alternative for the candle device incorporating a
transparent pipe is the inclusion of a logo as the altered surface
of the inner wall. Other means of displaying wording or a logo can
be incorporated as well including the use of decals,
screen-printing, paint or other means of altering the visibility of
the light emanating from the altered surface.
[0050] There are also additional embodiments of the invention. One
embodiment is directed to a gaming machine for conducting a
wagering game, where a game display displaying the wagering game
and at least one illumination device includes a light scattering
material and a light source embedded in the material. The
illumination device may be powered through an electrical connection
element. The element supports at least one light source. The light
scattering material may be solidified from a non-solid state. The
light scattering material may emit the color of the embedded light
source. The light scattering material is contained within a
housing.
[0051] Another embodiment is directed to an illumination device for
a gaming machine. The gaming machine is operable to conduct a
wagering game. The illumination device includes (a) at least one
light source; (b) an electrical connecting element for providing
power to the light source; and (c) a light scattering material for
displaying light from the light source in an effectively uniform
manner. The electrical connecting element supports one or more
light sources. The light scattering material contains light
dispersing particles. The light scattering material is solidified
from a non-solid state and may emit the color of the internal light
source. The light scattering material is contained within a
housing. The illumination device is selected from a group
consisting of marquee artistic elements including lettering, a
candle extending from a top of the gaming machine, bezel lighting
for the game display or peripheral devices, lighted game play
buttons, and other artistic game lighting.
[0052] An additional embodiment is directed to a gaming device
having a main controller for conducting a wagering game, a candle
device, and a peripheral controller coupled to the main controller
via a serial link. The peripheral controller directly controls the
candle device. The candle device includes a light source and a
drive circuit. The peripheral controller may be coupled to the
light source via the drive circuit. The peripheral controller may
be located on or connected to the candle device.
[0053] A further embodiment is directed to a peripheral for a
gaming device. The peripheral has a candle device, a peripheral
controller that directly controls the candle device, and a serial
link for coupling the peripheral controller to a main controller.
The peripheral controller may include an input/output
microcontroller. The candle device may include a light source and a
drive circuit. The peripheral controller may be coupled to the
light source via the drive circuit. The peripheral controller may
be located on or connected to the candle device.
[0054] Another embodiment is directed to a gaming machine for
conducting a wagering game. The gaming machine includes a game
display for displaying the wagering game, and at least one
illumination device. The illumination device includes a light
source, a transparent non-flat member, and a light-dispersing
surface along a side of the member. The light source is positioned
to emit light through the member such that the light impinges upon
the light-dispersing surface and becomes generally apparent to a
player. The member may have a round, elliptical, or polygonal
shape. The light-dispersing surface may be positioned on an inner
or outer surface of the member. The light-dispersing surface may be
an etching, grooving, or coating. The light-dispersing surface may
be arranged to create shapes, logos, or wording. The
light-dispersing surface may include light-blocking material added
to create shapes, logos, or wording. The light-blocking material
may include decals, screen-printing, or paint.
[0055] Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is
contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed
invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
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