U.S. patent application number 12/066001 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-18 for wagering game system backlight intensity control.
This patent application is currently assigned to WMS Gaming Inc.. Invention is credited to Stephen A. Canterbury, Muthu Velu.
Application Number | 20080227527 12/066001 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37865247 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080227527 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Canterbury; Stephen A. ; et
al. |
September 18, 2008 |
Wagering Game system Backlight Intensity Control
Abstract
A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module
comprising gaming code which is operable when executed on to
present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and
a display assembly having a preformed image and a backlight having
adjustable brightness. In one embodiment, display assembly
comprises preprinted artwork or graphics, or is an illuminated
object such as a button or bezel light. Further embodiments include
light sensors to sense ambient light or to measure the illumination
of a backlit display, and means to adjust the backlight brightness
accordingly.
Inventors: |
Canterbury; Stephen A.;
(Antioch, IL) ; Velu; Muthu; (Addison,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG & WOESSNER/WMS GAMING
P.O. BOX 2938
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Assignee: |
WMS Gaming Inc.
Waukegan
IL
|
Family ID: |
37865247 |
Appl. No.: |
12/066001 |
Filed: |
May 3, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
May 3, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US06/16933 |
371 Date: |
March 6, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60715905 |
Sep 9, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 ;
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3206 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/323 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 ;
463/16 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A computerized wagering game system, comprising: a gaming module
comprising gaming code which is operable when executed to present a
wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered; and at least
one display assembly having a preformed image and a backlight
having adjustable brightness.
2. The computerized wagering game system of claim 1, wherein the
preprinted image comprises a semitransparent static printed
image.
3. The computerized wagering game system of claim 1, wherein the
backlight comprises at least one of incandescent, fluorescent, cold
cathode, or light-emitting diode lights.
4. The computerized wagering game system of claim 1, wherein the
backlight brightness is adjustable as a configuration parameter via
a graphical user control setting.
5. The computerized wagering game system of claim 1, wherein the
backlight brightness is preset based on the relative opacity of the
preprinted image.
6. The computerized wagering game system of claim 1, further
comprising a light sensor operable to detect the brightness of
light emitted from at least one backlit preprinted display
assembly.
7. The computerized wagering game system of claim 6, wherein the
wagering game system is operable to match backlight intensity among
a plurality of display panel assemblies by using the light sensor
and adjusting the backlight brightness of each display panel
assembly.
8. The computerized wagering game system of claim 1, further
comprising a network interface operable to receive backlight
brightness data specifying the adjusted brightness of the
backlight
9. The computerized wagering game system of claim 1, further
comprising an ambient light sensor operable to detect the ambient
light in the wagering game system's environment such that the
wagering game system is operable to adjust at least one backlight
brightness based on the sensed ambient light.
10. The computerized wagering game system of claim 1, wherein the
display assembly comprises at least one of an art panel, a topbox,
an illuminated button, a mechanical slot reel, a mechanical reel
front lamp, a bezel light, and a backlit monitor.
11. A method of operating a computerized wagering game system,
comprising: presenting a wagering game upon which monetary value
can be wagered; and controlling the brightness of at least one a
display assembly having a preformed image and a backlight having
adjustable brightness.
12. The method of operating a computerized wagering game system of
claim 11, wherein the preprinted image comprises a semitransparent
static printed image.
13. The method of operating a computerized wagering game system of
claim 11, wherein the backlight comprises at least one of
incandescent, fluorescent, cold cathode, or light-emitting diode
lights.
14. The method of operating a computerized wagering game system of
claim 11, further comprising adjusting the backlight brightness by
setting a configuration parameter via a graphical user control
setting.
15. The method of operating a computerized wagering game system of
claim 11, further comprising presetting the backlight brightness
based on the relative opacity of the preprinted image.
16. The method of operating a computerized wagering game system of
claim 11, further comprising detecting the brightness of light
emitted from at least one backlit preprinted display assembly via a
light sensor.
17. The method of operating a computerized wagering game system of
claim 16, further comprising matching backlight intensity among a
plurality of display panel assemblies by using the light sensor and
adjusting the backlight brightness of each display panel
assembly.
18. The method of operating a computerized wagering game system of
claim 11, further comprising receiving backlight brightness data
specifying the adjusted brightness of the backlight via a network
connection.
19. The method of operating a computerized wagering game system of
claim 11, further comprising an ambient light sensor operable to
detect the ambient light in the wagering game system's environment
such that the wagering game system is operable to adjust at least
one backlight brightness based on the sensed ambient light.
20. The method of operating a computerized wagering game system of
claim 11, wherein the display assembly comprises at least one of an
art panel, a topbox, an illuminated button, a mechanical slot reel,
a mechanical reel front lamp, a bezel light, and a backlit
monitor.
21. A computerized wagering game system, comprising: a gaming
module comprising gaming code which is operable when executed to
present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered; at
least one ambient light sensor operable to measure the ambient
light in the vicinity of the wagering game system; and at least one
display assembly comprising a backlight operable to automatically
adjust a light parameter based on a measurement from the ambient
light sensor.
22. The computerized wagering game system of claim 21, wherein the
at least one ambient light sensor comprises a light intensity
sensor.
23. The computerized wagering game system of claim 22, wherein the
backlight is operable to adjust the brightness of the backlight
based on a measurement from the light intensity sensor.
24. The computerized wagering game system of claim 21, wherein the
at least one ambient light sensor comprises a light color
sensor.
25. The computerized wagering game system of claim 24, wherein the
backlight is operable to adjust the color of the backlight based on
a measurement form the light color sensor.
26. The computerized wagering game system of claim 21, wherein the
backlight illuminates a display panel.
27. The computerized wagering game system of claim 21, wherein the
backlight illuminates at least one surface in the vicinity of a
display panel comprising a part of the display assembly.
28. A method of operating a computerized wagering game system,
comprising: presenting a wagering game on which monetary value can
be wagered; measuring the ambient light in the vicinity of the
wagering game system via at least one light sensor; and
automatically adjusting a backlight parameter based on a
measurement from the ambient light sensor.
29. The method of operating a computerized wagering game system of
claim 28, wherein the at least one ambient light sensor comprises a
light intensity sensor and wherein the backlight is operable to
adjust the brightness of the backlight based on a measurement from
the light intensity sensor.
30 The method of operating a computerized wagering game system of
claim 28, wherein the at least one ambient light sensor comprises a
light color sensor, and wherein the backlight is operable to adjust
the color of the backlight based on a measurement form the light
color sensor.
31. The method of operating a computerized wagering game system of
claim 28, further comprising illuminating a display panel with the
backlight.
32. The method of operating a computerized wagering game system of
claim 28, further comprising illuminating at least one surface in
the vicinity of a display panel with the backlight.
33. A machine-readable medium with instructions stored thereon, the
instructions when executed operable to cause a computerized
wagering game system to: present a wagering game on which monetary
value can be wagered; measure the ambient light in the vicinity of
the wagering game system via at least one light sensor; and
automatically adjust a backlight parameter based on a measurement
from the ambient light sensor.
34. The machine-readable medium of claim 33, wherein the at least
one ambient light sensor comprises a light intensity sensor and
wherein the backlight is operable to adjust the brightness of the
backlight based on a measurement from the light intensity
sensor.
35. The machine-readable medium of claim 33, wherein the at least
one ambient light sensor comprises a light color sensor, and
wherein the backlight is operable to adjust the color of the
backlight based on a measurement form the light color sensor.
36. The machine-readable medium of claim 33, the instructions when
executed further operable to cause the computerized wagering game
system to illuminate a display panel with the backlight.
37. The machine-readable medium of claim 33, the instructions when
executed further operable to cause the computerized wagering game
system to illuminate at least one surface in the vicinity of a
display panel with the backlight.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/715,905 filed Sep. 9, 2005, the
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to computerized wagering
game machines, and more specifically to computerized wagering game
machines employing display panels having backlight intensity
control.
LIMITED COPYRIGHT WAIVER
[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material to which the claim of copyright protection is made. The
copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by
any person of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it
appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office file or records,
but reserves all other rights whatsoever. Copyright 2006, WMS
Gaming, Inc.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Computerized wagering games have largely replaced
traditional mechanical wagering game machines such as slot
machines, and are rapidly being adopted to implement computerized
versions of games that are traditionally played live such as poker
and blackjack. These computerized games provide many benefits to
the game owner and to the gambler, including greater reliability
than can be achieved with a mechanical game or human dealer, more
variety, sound, and animation in presentation of a game, and a
lower overall cost of production and management.
[0005] The elements of computerized wagering game systems are in
many ways the same as the elements in the mechanical and table game
counterparts in that they must be fair, they must provide
sufficient feedback to the game player to make the game fun to
play, and they must meet a variety of gaming regulations to ensure
that both the machine owner and gamer are honest and fairly treated
in implementing the game. Further, they must provide a gaming
experience that is at least as attractive as the older mechanical
gaming machine experience to the gamer, to ensure success in a
competitive gaming market.
[0006] Computerized wagering games do not rely on the dealer or
other game players to facilitate game play and to provide an
entertaining game playing environment, but rely upon the
presentation of the game and environment generated by the wagering
game machine itself. Incorporation of audio and video features into
wagering games to present the wagering game, to provide help, and
to enhance the environment presented are therefore important
elements in the attractiveness and commercial success of a
computerized wagering game system. It is not uncommon for audio
voices to provide instruction and help, and to provide commentary
on the wagering game being played. Music and environmental effects
are also played through speakers in some wagering game systems to
enhance or complement a theme of the wagering game. These sounds
typically accompany video presentation of the wagering game on a
screen, which itself often includes animation, video, and
three-dimensional graphics as part of presentation of the wagering
game.
[0007] The displays were traditionally cathode ray tubes, or CRTs
much like those used in standard televisions. But recently, CRT
displays have given way to liquid crystal displays as the most
common type of display used in new wagering game machines. While
CRTs provided very good brightness and color fidelity, they were
relatively large, heavy, fragile, and consumed a relatively large
amount of power. LCD displays have limited brightness and contrast
capabilities, and backlighting a large LCD display evenly and
achieving accurate color fidelity are difficult. Other options
include plasma displays, which have the color fidelity of CRTs and
a small size similar to LCDs, but the contrast ratio, power
consumed, and production cost are all inferior to other display
technologies.
[0008] Projectors have found use in large-screen televisions,
including DLP projectors using digital micromirror devices, liquid
crystal display projectors, and liquid crystal on silicon
projectors, as a means of producing a high-resolution,
high-brightness image that is large in size. But, projectors
typically must be placed a significant distance from the projection
screen, making incorporation into a wagering game system a
difficult challenge.
[0009] It is therefore desired to incorporate display technology
into a wagering game system addressing the shortcomings of existing
displays.
SUMMARY
[0010] One example embodiment of the invention comprises a
computerized wagering game system including a gaming module
comprising gaming code which is operable when executed on to
present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and
a display assembly including display assemblies having a preformed
image and a backlight having adjustable brightness. In one
embodiment, display assembly comprises preprinted artwork or
graphics, or is an illuminated object such as a button or bezel
light, while the display in other embodiments comprises a display
operable to display a dynamic image such as a cathode ray tube,
liquid crystal display, or plasma display. Further embodiments
include light sensors to sense ambient light or to measure the
illumination of a backlit display, and means to adjust the
backlight brightness accordingly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a computerized wagering game machine, as may be
used to practice some example embodiments of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a screen image of a display object backlight
touchscreen configuration menu, consistent with some example
embodiments of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of automatically
calibrating the backlight intensity of a plurality of display
objects, consistent with some example embodiments of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computerized system having
multiple adjustable backlights and a light sensor, consistent with
some example embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] In the following detailed description of example embodiments
of the invention, reference is made to specific examples by way of
drawings and illustrations. These examples are described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention, and serve to illustrate how the invention may be
applied to various purposes or embodiments. Other embodiments of
the invention exist and are within the scope of the invention, and
logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made
without departing from the subject or scope of the present
invention. Features or limitations of various embodiments of the
invention described herein, however essential to the example
embodiments in which they are incorporated, do not limit the
invention as a whole, and any reference to the invention, its
elements, operation, and application do not limit the invention as
a whole but serve only to define these example embodiments. The
following detailed description does not, therefore, limit the scope
of the invention, which is defined only by the appended claims.
[0016] The invention in one example embodiment comprises a
computerized wagering game system including a gaming module
comprising gaming code which is operable when executed on to
present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and
a display assembly having a preformed image and a backlight having
adjustable brightness. In one embodiment, display assembly
comprises preprinted artwork or graphics, or is an illuminated
object such as a button or bezel light. Further embodiments include
light sensors to sense ambient light or to measure the illumination
of a backlit display, and means to adjust the backlight brightness
accordingly.
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a computerized wagering game machine
system, as may be used to practice various embodiments of the
present invention. The computerized gaming system shown generally
at 100 is a video wagering game system, which displays information
for at least one wagering game upon which monetary value can be
wagered on video display 101. Video display 101 is in various
embodiments a CRT display, a plasma display, an LCD display, a
field emission display, or any other type of display suitable for
displaying electronically provided display information. Further
embodiments include alternate or additional displays, such as a
second display located above the primary display, or other displays
coupled to the wagering game system. Alternate embodiments of the
invention will have other game indicators, such as mechanical reels
instead of the video graphics reels shown at 102 that comprise a
part of a video slot machine wagering game.
[0018] A game of chance is implemented using software within the
wagering game, such as through instructions stored on a
machine-readable medium such as a hard disk drive or nonvolatile
memory. In some further example embodiments, some or all of the
software stored in the wagering game machine is encrypted or is
verified using a hash algorithm or encryption algorithm to ensure
its authenticity and to verify that it has not been altered. The
game of chance implemented via the loaded software takes various
forms in different wagering game machines, including such
well-known wagering games as reel slots, video poker, blackjack,
craps, roulette, or hold 'em games. The wagering game is played and
controlled with inputs such as various buttons 103 or via a
touchscreen overlay to video screen 101. In some alternate
examples, other devices such as pull arm 104 used to initiate reel
spin in this reel slot machine example are employed to provide
other input interfaces to the game player.
[0019] Monetary value is typically wagered on the outcome of the
games, such as with tokens, coins, bills, or cards that hold
monetary value. The wagered value is conveyed to the machine
through a changer 105 or a secure user identification module
interface 106, and winnings are returned via the returned value
card or through the coin tray 107. Sound is also provided through
speakers 108, typically including audio indicators of game play,
such as reel spins, credit bang-ups, and environmental or other
sound effects or music to provide entertainment consistent with a
theme of the computerized wagering game. In some further
embodiments, the wagering game machine is coupled to a network, and
is operable to use its network connection to receive wagering game
data, track players and monetary value associated with a player,
and to perform other such functions.
[0020] The wagering game system further features an artwork display
panel such a top panel 109 or lower panel 110, which are in some
embodiments semi-opaque plastic or glass panels having preprinted
or preformed images or graphics consistent with a theme of the
wagering game, serving to identify the wagering game system and to
attract wagering game players. The panels are backlit in some
embodiments, such as by placing lights inside the wagering game
cabinet 100 such that some of the light produced shines through the
panels and makes the semi-opaque artwork appear to glow.
[0021] In some example embodiments of the invention, the lights
behind display panels such as 109 are illuminated with variable
intensity or brightness, such as by varying the voltage provided to
an incandescent lamp, varying the number of light-emitting diodes
or fluorescent display elements that are lit, varying the current
provided to one or more light-emitting diodes, or varying the
opacity or position of an electrically actuatable shutter placed
between the light and the illuminated display. The variation in
brightness is controlled in some embodiments mechanically, such as
by physically moving a shutter, or is varied electronically such as
by changing a setting in a configuration menu of the wagering game
system.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a screen image of a configuration menu such as
can be used to vary the backlight brightness of various display
objects in the wagering game system. Several touchscreen buttons
201 are labeled with a display object and show a brightness
setting. Touching a button on the touchscreen display causes the
brightness setting to change incrementally, such as to increase
until a maximum brightness level is reached and then to decrease
until a minimum brightness level is reached, or to wrap-around and
continue to increase from a minimum brightness level after a
maximum brightness level is reached.
[0023] The button labels illustrate a variety of different display
objects that can be illuminated in various embodiments of the
invention, including the front top display such as is shown at 109
of FIG. 1, the front belly or lower display as is shown at 110, the
reels in a mechanical reel slot machine as is shown at 102, the
buttons 103, the coin acceptor or bill validator bezel as shown at
105 or similar items such as card acceptor 106, an LCD monitor
where present, a coin tray 107, and a top box, which is not present
in the wagering game machine of FIG. 1. Each of the lamps or lamp
assemblies illuminating each of these objects is variable in
various embodiments, and can be set via the touchscreen interface
of FIG. 2 or by other such methods to tailor the brightness of
these objects to a machines' environment and to achieve a desired
appearance.
[0024] Some objects, such as the mechanical reels of a mechanical
reel slot machine, are in further embodiments lit in more than one
way by independently controllable lights. Mechanical reels, for
example, can be both backlit using a light placed behind a
semi-opaque mechanical reel, and can be lit using a lamp hidden
within the wagering game system cabinet but configured to
illuminate the front surface of the mechanical reels. Solid objects
such as the coin tray 107 are further lit via a lamp having
configurable brightness in some embodiments of the invention, and
for purposes of this patent application are considered to have both
a preconfigured image or appearance and to be backlit as a result
of their being illuminated by lamps concealed from the wagering
game player's direct view within the wagering game system.
[0025] In a further embodiment, a network connection enables a
remote user or software operating remotely to exercise control over
the brightness of the lamps. For example, a central controller may
be programmed to highlight certain machines by changing the
illumination pattern of the various illuminated display elements of
the wagering game system, or may be used to change the illumination
patter of the wagering game systems according to the time of day or
other such parameters. A wagering game facility that is brighter
during daylight hours may, for example, use a network controller to
increase the brightness of various lamps during the day, and to
decrease the brightness of the same lamps during the night. In
another example, the brightness of machines that are underplayed or
not being used when a wagering game establishment becomes busy may
be highlighted with brighter lamp settings. In a further
embodiment, controls or settings within the wagering game machine
itself can be used to vary the illumination of various lamps based
on similar criteria.
[0026] A match button 202 is used in some embodiments to enable
matching illumination between multiple display elements, such as
between top display panel 109 and belly display panel 110 of FIG.
1. This can be performed in a variety of ways, but in some
embodiments includes using a light sensor to measure the light from
one display element, and then using the light reading and the light
sensor to ensure that the light reading from another display
element is substantially the same. In a further embodiment, part or
all of the process is automated, such that the brightness of the
lamps is automatically adjusted based on the light sensor readings
and such that the wagering game technician is prompted to move the
light meter to certain display element positions to complete the
brightness calibration process.
[0027] In an alternate embodiment, display elements such as art
glass 109 or 110 are measured for opacity at manufacture, and
appropriate settings are provided along with the art glass or are
stored in a configuration register or table in the wagering game
machine. Adjustment from these predetermined settings is permitted
in some further embodiments, as lamps can get dim or vary in
brightness, and replacement or repair lamp parts may not exactly
match the brightness or other performance characteristics of the
original parts.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows one example method of adjusting the brightness
of various display object backlights via display prompts and a
light sensor. At 301, a wagering game technician enters a display
object backlight calibration routine, such as by using a
touchscreen menu or by using buttons or other means of initiating
calibration. The wagering game system then prompts the technician
to connect a light sensor if not already electrically connected to
the wagering game system, such as via a USB port or other such
interface. The service technician is then prompted to place the
light sensor at a specific position near or on a specific display
element, such as those shown in FIG. 1 or described on the
touchscreen buttons shown in FIG. 2. Once this is complete, the
technician indicates the light sensor is in place, or in alternate
embodiments is given a certain amount of time to position the light
sensor, and a light reading is taken at 303.
[0029] The light reading will reflect the intensity of the light
projected from the display object, and can be used to calibrate the
amount of light given off by a specific display object relative to
other objects, or to calibrate the light given off by a single
object or by the system as a whole. The wagering game determines
whether the brightness is correct at 304, such as by comparing the
brightness to a target setting, a preconfigured setting, or another
display object's brightness as measured with the light sensor. If
the object's brightness is not correct, the brightness is adjusted
an appropriate amount at 305, and another light reading is taken at
303. This loop repeats until the light reading is determined to be
correct.
[0030] The system then determines whether another display object's
backlight brightness is to be calibrated at 306, and proceeds back
to 302 to calibrate the lamp brightness for the next object if
calibration target objects remain. If all display objects have been
calibrated, the system proceeds to 307, and completes the
calibration such as by saving the new settings and exiting the
calibration setup screen.
[0031] In a further embodiment, a light sensor is placed on the
exterior of the game cabinet in a fixed position, and is operable
to detect the ambient light conditions in the wagering game
system's environment. The wagering game system is operable to read
the environmental brightness from the light sensor, and to adjust
the brightness of one or more backlights illuminating a display
object to compensate for environmental light changes. For example,
a wagering game system calibrated using the method of FIG. 3 that
is calibrated to desired settings for a nighttime environment may
not be appropriately bright during the day. Incorporation of a
light sensor into the wagering game system enables the system to
detect that the environment is brighter during the day, and to
increase the brightness of the various display object lamps to
compensate for the reduced visibility due to the brighter
environment.
[0032] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a computerized wagering game
system employing multiple backlights and a light sensor, as may be
used to practice some embodiments of the invention. The system 400
has a processor 401 and a memory 402. Program data is loaded from
nonvolatile storage such as hard disk drive 403, or from another
nonvolatile storage medium such as a compact flash card. The
program data is loaded into memory 402 and executed by processor
401, and serves to control operation of the wagering game system. A
network connection 403 enables the wagering game system to send and
receive data over a network, such as bookkeeping or accounting
data, game code, game results, or backlight brightness or other
configuration information.
[0033] A touchscreen liquid crystal display panel 405 is operable
to display images such as wagering game objects and results, as
well as configuration or setup information such as shown in FIG. 2.
In some embodiments, the touchscreen liquid crystal display
backlight is coupled to a lamp power control circuit 406, which is
operable to control the brightness of the liquid crystal display
backlight as well as the backlight intensity of other display
object backlights 407. In other example embodiments, the lamp power
control circuit is operable to control the color of a backlight,
such as by varying the voltage provided to different component
elements in a multicolor light-emitting diode, or by selectively
illuminating other colored lights.
[0034] A light sensor 408 is also coupled to the computerized
system, and is operable in various embodiments to measure light
parameters such as ambient light brightness, ambient light color,
and display image color. The measured light parameters are reported
in one embodiment to a light controller in machine-readable form
such as a digital number to the computerized wagering game system.
The system is thereby able to adapt backlight parameters to
compensate for changes in ambient light conditions.
[0035] In one example, a wagering game system includes a light
sensor operable to measure each of ambient light brightness,
ambient light color, and display image color. The brightness of a
display such as the touchscreen liquid crystal display panel 405 is
adjusted depending on the measured ambient light intensity,
providing several benefits to the game owner and wagering game
player.
[0036] First, the game will not be overly bright or so dim that it
is difficult to see, as the display brightness is tailored to the
particular environment of the wagering game system. The wagering
game system may therefore light the liquid crystal display panel
405 with a backlight relatively strongly during the day when the
wagering game environment is brighter, and make the backlight
brightness dimmer during the night when the ambient light is lower.
Second, the reduced brightness during periods of dim ambient light
reduces power consumption and prolongs the life of the backlight
system, and of the display 405 in some circumstances.
[0037] In a further example, the color of ambient light around the
wagering game system is measured and the backlight color is
adjusted based on the perceived ambient light color. For example,
if a wagering game is in an environment with reddish yellow light
of a low color temperature, showing bright blues and accurate
whites on a display can appear harsh. Similarly, a backlight with a
low color temperature can appear dull and lacking in color relative
to ambient light that is white or blue, or that has a high color
temperature. The backlight color is therefore altered based on the
measured color of the ambient light, so that the light is better
coordinated with the ambient light color. In various embodiments,
the backlight color is varied by use of color filters, varying the
brightness of differently colored backlight elements, or by any
other such method.
[0038] The backlight in some embodiments is a light used to
illuminate the back of a display panel, such as the light that
shines behind a liquid crystal display or that provides light for a
DLP or LCD projector display. In other embodiments, the backlight
is a light that illuminates another surface on or around the
wagering game system. For example, the backlight includes in one
embodiment a light located in the wagering game machine cabinet
that illuminates a part of the wagering game cabinet surrounding
the touchscreen liquid crystal display 405, such that the light
around the display is adjusted based on the ambient light or
display light properties such as brightness or color. In another
example, a static image that is illuminated form behind by a
backlight is illuminated via a backlight having adjustable
brightness, color, or other such parameters based on measurements
taken from a light sensor such as light sensor 408 or computerized
analysis of the image displayed on a dynamic display screen.
[0039] In another example, the backlight is used to illuminate the
environment around the wagering game machine cabinet, such as by
shining a light onto a wall behind the wagering game system or by
illuminating the ground around the wagering game cabinet. The light
sensor in one such embodiment measures ambient light conditions,
and adjusts the light used to illuminate the area surrounding the
wagering game machine according the measured ambient light
conditions. In a further example, light illuminating the area
around the wagering game system is based on characteristics of an
image displayed on a display panel of the wagering game system,
such as touchscreen display panel 405, or is based on a combination
of displayed image characteristics and measured ambient light
characteristics.
[0040] The various backlight display examples presented here
incorporating an ambient light or displayed light sensing operation
show how adjusting various light characteristics of backlights such
as dynamic display backlights, static display backlights, and
environmental backlights can improve performance of a wagering game
machine. Excessive brightness of the backlight can be avoided,
resulting in a savings in power, an increase in backlight
longevity, and more ergonomically pleasing light presentation.
Other examples presented here show a variety of ways in which the
light intensity of lamps used to illuminate display objects such as
mechanical reels, art glass, and bezels or buttons can be adjusted.
They show how adjusting backlight intensity can be used to
compensate for the time of day or other ambient light conditions,
and how various brightness control systems and configuration
methods can be used to achieve the desired brightness control.
[0041] Although specific embodiments of such wagering game systems
and methods of use have been illustrated and described herein, it
will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any
arrangement or method which is calculated to achieve the same
purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments described.
This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations
of the example embodiments of the invention described herein, and
it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims
and the full scope of equivalents thereof.
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