Abstract: A gaming machine includes a cabinet frame, a display, and an emotive lighting area. The cabinet frame has a cabinet surface visible to and facing a player position in front of the gaming machine. The display is mounted to the cabinet frame and is configured to display a randomly selected outcome from a wagering game. The emotive lighting area is integrated with the cabinet frame on the cabinet surface, proximate the display, and is separate from the display. The emotive lighting area includes a light source and a reflective surface, each of the light source and the reflective surface being concealed within the cabinet frame such that they are not viewable from the player position, the reflective surface configured to receive light directly from the light source and to reflect the light to a viewable area.

Abstract: A gaming machine displays a bet start instructional image on a dealer used display, displays a bet end instructional image in response to a predetermined lapse of time after receiving a bet start instruction signal from a touch panel, and controls an oscillation motor to cause a playing board to oscillate after receiving a bet end instruction signal from the touch panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a light source and one or ideally a series of lighting positions that are illuminated, via optical pathways that are suitably in the form of optical fibers that transmit light from the light source to the or each lighting position. The light source may have a light filter that operably controls the color and intensity of light illuminating from the lighting positions depending on the outcomes of the game being played. The present invention also relates to a network of the gaming machines and a centralized light source, wherein optical pathways, suitably in the form of optical fibers, transmit light from the light source to the light positions of two or more gaming machines. The network may also include a controller to control illumination of the lighting positions, including color of the light and intensity of the light based on data received from an outcome determiner of one or more of the machines of the network.

Abstract: A mark unit includes a holding section that is disposed at the top of a display section so that a light-emitting section is positioned on a side of a display screen of the display section and a weight section is positioned on a side opposite to the display screen to hold the light-emitting section on the side of the display screen that intersects a horizontal plane.

Abstract: Gaming terminals, gaming systems, display device support assemblies, and methods of mounting a display device to a gaming terminal are presented herein. A gaming terminal for playing a wagering game is disclosed. The gaming terminal includes a cabinet, an input device for receiving wagers to play the wagering game, and a display device for displaying information related to the wagering game. The gaming terminal also includes a mounting assembly which affixes the display device proximate the top of the cabinet. The mounting assembly pivotably supports the display device such that a lateral side of the display device can be selectively swung from a first position over the top of the cabinet to a second position over a front of the cabinet where the display device is removable from the cabinet.

Abstract: A gaming machine having a support bracket coupled to a cabinet front of the gaming machine, and a modular user interface hingedly coupled to the support bracket with at least one connector, the modular user interface having a button panel and a wrist support, wherein the modular user interface is configured to rotate along an axis of the at least one connector to expose an interior portion of the gaming machine.

Abstract: An automated blackjack table features a rotating ring with numbered stations (up to 21) matching the numbers at which the players are positioned. By pressing a foot pedal, the dealer can rotate the ring and rapidly deal a card to each passing numbered station allowing the density of players (and, hence the revenue stream) at each table to be tripled.

Abstract: Flexibly configurable button panels for electronic devices and dynamic display systems for wager based gaming machines are disclosed. Button panels include a flexible cable, surface mount or other cable connectors spaced along and coupled thereto, and button assemblies coupled thereto via the cable connectors to provide electrical access from buttons to circuit lines. Relative physical locations of buttons are then reconfigurable to form different button panel configurations while the buttons remain coupled to the flexible cable. A dedicated dynamic button panel controller for processing button functions and a button panel identification device having an identification code can also be provided. Buttons can be removably coupled to the cable connectors, and can also include dynamic displays thereupon. Other gaming machine dynamic displays can also be provided.

Abstract: An operating device used in a game machine for playing a television game includes a main body and first and second finger-manipulatable operating units positioned symmetrically on the main body. The operating device may include first and second grips projecting at spaced positions from the main body, with the first and second operating units being positioned adjacent the first and second grips. The operating device may further include vibration-imparting units for imparting vibrations to the user's hands.

Abstract: A gaming terminal for conducting a wagering game includes a main body having a cabinet door and a top box positioned above the main body. The cabinet door has a closed position and an open position. The top box includes a crown that is moveable from a first position that prohibits access to the top box to a second position that provides access to the top box. The gaming terminal further includes a latching assembly for securing and releasing the crown. The latching assembly is configured to release the crown in response to the cabinet door being in the open position so as to permit movement of the crown from the first position to the second position. The latching assembly is further configured to secure the crown in response to the crown being moved from the second position to the first position when the cabinet door is in the closed position.

Abstract: A gaming terminal for playing a wagering game includes a gaming cabinet, a first surface, a video display assembly, and a first blower. The gaming cabinet includes an intake port and an exhaust port. The first surface is within the cabinet and divides the cabinet into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The video display assembly includes a video display having a display area and a display housing. The video display assembly is positioned adjacent to the upper chamber of the game cabinet at an angle between about 0 degrees and about 45 degrees relative to horizontal. The display housing forms a longitudinal channel along a substantial portion of a back side opposite the display area. The first blower is disposed in the upper chamber. The longitudinal channel is at least partially sealed such that the first blower creates a negative pressure within the longitudinal channel.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a printed circuit board that is part of a wagering game machine. The printed circuit board includes a processor operable to execute instructions associated with a wagering game. The printed circuit board also includes a hard drive mount that includes an alignment guide and a blind mate connector for electrically coupling a hard drive to a surface mount connection on the printed circuit board. The hard drive is to store wagering game data for the wagering game.

Abstract: An electronic gaming console is illustrated having a console cabinet 10 including a prize display 12, a coin entry slot 13, a payout tray 14 and internally mounted game control processor circuits. A video game is provided for play on the console in which images of spinning reels spin and objects (balls) are dropped through a series of obstacles (pins) and eventually land in one or more of a set of containers. Prizes are paid according to either the state of the reels after spinning or the number of balls which are in each container at the end of the ball drop and/or the manner in which the pins are hit.

Abstract: With liquid crystal provided in front of reels, a gaming machine includes reels 3 having symbol placement faces shaped like curved surfaces on which a plurality of symbols are placed for variably displaying of a plurality of symbol rows each made up of the plurality of symbols, liquid crystal 504 being provided in front of and opposed to the reels 3 for displaying the symbols through a flat symbol transmission face and also displaying an image concerning game play, reel backlights 513 for illuminating the symbols, and reel side reflectors 320 being provided on a side of the reels 3 for covering an area sandwiched between the symbol placement face and the symbol transmission face on a face on the side of the reels 3 for assisting image display of the liquid crystal 504.

Abstract: A button assembly is described. The button assembly includes a light emitting device that emits light. The button assembly further includes a lens cap that protects the light emitting device from being damaged. The lens cap has a top surface, a first cap side, a second cap side, a third cap side, and a fourth cap side. The second cap side connected to the first cap side, the third cap side connected to the second cap side, and the fourth cap side connected to the first cap side and the third cap side to form a plane. A first perpendicular distance between the plane and a first point on the top surface is different than a second perpendicular distance between the plane and a second point on the top surface. Additionally, a system for increasing life of a pixel is described.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a gaming machine and a gaming chair for playing a wagering game. The gaming machine includes at least one display configured to display outcomes of the wagering game. The gaming machine further includes at least one wager input device configured to receive wagers from players. The gaming chair includes a seat assembly attached to a base, a cable harness for providing electrical input, and a backrest assembly having an inner structure and a back housing. The back housing is mounted to the inner structure and has a modular mounting feature for receiving one of at least two modular back panels. The modular back panels are received one at a time and include a non-illuminated back panel and an illuminated back panel. The illuminated back panel has a connector for accepting the cable harness.

Abstract: A method and a device for providing a tactile sensation are provided. The device includes a plurality of actuators. The plurality of actuators includes first and second actuators. The first actuator is adapted to provide a first tactile sensation, and the second actuator is adapted to provide a second tactile sensation.

Abstract: The gaming system of the present invention comprises: a plurality of gaming machines; a single pedestal having an installation surface for installing the gaming machines; a supporting member provided such that a first end thereof is supported by the pedestal and the second end thereof is oriented upwardly; a common image display having an internal space inside thereof, having openings communicated with external air respectively at an upper portion and a bottom portion thereof, and being supported by the second end side of the supporting member.

Abstract: A gaming system comprises a wager input device, a display for displaying at least a portion of a wagering game, and a divider overlying the display and dividing the display into at least a first display region and a second display region. An actuator is coupled to the divider, the actuator for moving the divider relative to the display. The system includes a controller operative, in response to a triggering event, to cause the actuator to move the divider from a first position to a second position and thereby alter the size of at least the first display region.

Abstract: An enhanced gaming system utilizes a touch panel as a user control device for game play features which provides users with the enhanced flexibility and interactivity of a video gaming device in a gaming device environment. The enhanced gaming system includes a set of reels, a panel, and a user control device. The panel overlays a set of reels. The set of reels are visible through at least one portion of the panel. The user control interface includes a substantially transparent touch panel overlaying the reels. In one embodiment, the user control interface enables a user control of reel spin direction in correspondence with direction in which the touch panel is touched by the user. In another aspect, the user control interface enables a user control of reel spin speed in correspondence with the speed in which the user touches the touch panel.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a display panel with permanent indicia and optionally also adapted for display of transient indicia which act with the permanent indicia as part of the gaming played on the machine. At least a portion of the permanent indicia may comprise an ink or other iridescent coating that glows in the presence of activating light, typically ultraviolet radiation. A source of the activating light is positioned to irradiate the permanent indicia portions. A controller is typically present for activating the activating light source in a predetermined manner which correlates with one or more events taking place in the particular game being played on the machine.

Abstract: The gaming system of the present invention comprises: a common image display having a common-image-display cabinet provided with an opening over substantially the entire front surface thereof, and a common flat display panel portion that is provided in the opening, and allowing the common flat display panel portion to rotate upwardly and downwardly with respect to the floor surface with a hinge as a shaft by having an upper end of the common flat display panel portion mounted on an upper end of a front surface of the common-image-display cabinet via the hinge.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus for presenting a wager-type game comprises a cabinet and a door connected to the cabinet, the door moveable between a first position and a second position. In its first position, the door cooperates with the cabinet to define a generally closed interior space. In its second position, the door permits access to the interior space. The door has an opening therein. A relatively thin video display is mounted to the door.

Abstract: The disclosed system and method provide a dynamic and scalable gaming system in which a plurality of gaming machines are connected to a network switch. The gaming switch has two sets of data ports configured into two virtual local area networks (VLANs). The gaming machines are connected through their network interfaces to a first set of data ports of the network switch to form a first VLAN. The gaming machines are connected through their serial interfaces and serial-to-network adapters to a second set of data ports of the network switch to form a second VLAN. The gaming machines are configured to communicate with devices external to the gaming network through their network interfaces. The gaming machines are configured to communicate with each other through their serial interfaces. External and internal communications within the gaming network are segregated both at the device and network levels.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus for facilitating game play. The gaming apparatus may include a value input device, a display unit, and a player control panel. The player control panel may include a curved surface centered around at least one axis. The gaming apparatus also may include a touch screen, the touch screen conforming to the curved surface of the player control panel. A value input may be received from a player via the value input device, and the display unit may be caused to display a game display. One of a plurality of player input displays may be selected and display the selected one of the plurality of player input displays. Player input data associated with the selected one of the plurality of player input displays may be received via the touch screen, and a value payout associated with an outcome of the game may be determined.

Abstract: A universal tactile feedback system for computer and video game systems is disclosed which provides real time tactile feedback to enhance a user's experience while interacting with a computer/video game or simulation. The tactile feedback system operates both in host-independent and host-dependent modes, thereby allowing the system to function even when no accommodation is provided by the game or simulation system that is being used. The host-independent mode is responsive to the audio signal that is typically generated by a computer or video game system while it is executing a game or simulation. The host-dependent mode is responsive to control commands specifically generated by a computer or video game system while it is executing a game or simulation. The tactile feedback system then creates tactile sensations primarily via controller-based tactile sensation generators, such that the user feels physical sensations corresponding to events occurring within the game or simulation in real time.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus for presenting a wager-type game comprises a housing, a wager accepting device, a controller and a display. The controller is configured to cause wagering game information to be displayed by the display in response to a wager. The display comprises a flat-panel display having a wide screen format.

Abstract: Gaming terminals, gaming systems, signage displays, and supporting structures therefore are presented herein. A gaming terminal for playing a wagering game is disclosed. The gaming terminal includes a base cabinet, an input device for receiving wagers to play the wagering game, and a terminal display for displaying information related to the wagering game. A supporting structure for supporting a signage display immediately above the base cabinet of the gaming terminal is disclosed. The supporting structure and the signage display are each free of any physical attachment to the gaming terminal. The signage display houses a display device for displaying information related to the wagering game. The supporting structure can optionally incorporate a universal mounting apparatus for removably attaching the signage display to the supporting structure, and provide for rapidly re-arranging the signage displays associated with various gaming terminals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying multiple visual images from a single source at a gaming machine are disclosed. A reversible display device at the gaming machine presents multiple visual images from a display cell or other core display component. Virtual curtains alternate between blocking and permitting the display of visual images at various surfaces of the reversible display device. For a display cell or similar component needing a separate illumination source, illumination components alternate on and off in coordinated fashion with the virtual curtains, and are arranged to reflect light through the display cell in one direction to display one visual image at one surface and then in an opposite direction to display another visual image at the opposite surface. Lenses, mirrors and other optical devices redirect or alter a visual image from a surface such that it is not viewed directly from the display device itself.

Abstract: A system includes a gaming machine, one or more heat generating components within the gaming machine, and a thermoelectric cooler apparatus located within the gaming machine to draw heat from the one or more heat generating components.

Abstract: Wagering game systems, gaming machines, and methods of changing the appearance of a gaming machine are presented herein. In one embodiment, a gaming machine for playing a wagering game is presented. The gaming machine includes a display for displaying the outcomes of the wagering game, and an input device for receiving wagers from players. The gaming machine also includes a cabinet with a mounting base integrated to the top of the cabinet. The mounting base is configured to support any of a plurality of different top-box mounted fixtures, such as tower lights, marquees, and other signage. In some embodiments, the gaming machine also includes at least one electrical connector that is accessible from the exterior of the cabinet. The electrical connector is configured to electrically couple the selected top-box mounted fixture to the cabinet.

Abstract: A radio frequency card tracking system for a gaming table includes a system computer, a deck of playing cards, one or more table antennas, and a transceiver. Each playing card has an antenna, a card identity, and a transponder. Each table antenna has a detection zone at a dealer's card placement position and/or at locations at a gaming table and can transmit and receive radio-frequency signals to and from a card located within the detection zone. The transceiver is coupled with the table antenna and the system computer to provide radio-frequency-energizing signals to the table antenna for transmission to the card located within the detection zone. The transceiver receives card identifying signals from the table antenna and transfers these signals to the system computer. The system computer recognizes the signal duration, receives card identifying signals; determines the card identity associated with the signal, and determines the location of the card.

Abstract: An attachment includes an attached portion that is attachable to, and detachable from, the outer circumferential surface of a game controller and a grip to be held by a user. The attached portion is formed such that the front end thereof is positioned further rearward than the light emitting part when the attached portion is attached to the game controller. According to the attachment, it is possible to prevent deterioration in recognition of the light emitting part by the image capturing unit.

Abstract: Convertible rails for selecting player-tracking modes in an electronic game table are described. In one implementation, a rail or trim surrounds the periphery of the tabletop of an electronic game table. The rail has recessed bay openings for mounting user-interface hardware, such as for player-tracking. Player-tracking hardware may include, for example, touch-screen displays for manual input of user information, and player-identification card readers. A proprietor may install interchangeable rail section covers to expose some, all, or none of the bays. Thus, in a non-tracking mode, the bays may be covered, while in a tracking mode, some degree of player-tracking hardware mounted in the bays may be exposed to the user. In other implementations, interchangeable covers hide bays or expose hardware mounted on the tabletop itself.

Abstract: A convertible gaming machine includes a gaming cabinet, at least one display, and a convertible area. The gaming cabinet has a ledge portion with a top surface. The at least one display is mounted to the gaming cabinet and is configured to display a randomly selected outcome from a wagering game. The randomly selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving a wager input from a player. The convertible area is located entirely below the at least one display and partially below the top surface of the ledge portion. The convertible area is convertible at least between a first configuration and a second configuration, the first configuration including a player tracking system, the second configuration including an insert having a storage portion configured to store one or more patron items. The insert replaces the player tracking system.

Abstract: A universal logic enclosure (16) to be inserted as a retro-fit solution into the cabinet (12) of an electronic gaming device (10) for the purpose of securely housing software and firmware components. The logic enclosure (16) includes a box-like central support frame (18) having side walls (32, 43, 38) each formed with a window (42) having substantially identical dimensional attributes to receive interchangeable cover plates (44). A logic door (50) can be affixed so as to hinge from any one of the walls (32, 34, 38, 48) by way of an integral hinge feature (52) that interacts with flanges (54) extending inwardly from the walls. The logic door (50) includes a key operated closure mechanism (58).

Abstract: A gaming machine and a cover assembly for use with the gaming machine is described herein. The gaming machine includes a plurality of input buttons that are coupled to a cabinet assembly. The cover assembly includes a cover that is coupled to the cabinet assembly and oriented with respect to at least one button of the plurality of buttons. The cover is movable between a first position wherein the cover at least partially encapsulates the at least one input button, and a second position wherein the cover does not encapsulate the input button such that the input button is accessible by a player of the gaming machine.

Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a gaming machine cabinet having a front, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall are adjacent to the front. The gaming machine further comprises a display, a CPU, and a power supply mounted within the gaming machine cabinet. The gaming machine further comprises a first fan mounted adjacent to the CPU and oriented to pull air from outside the gaming machine cabinet over the CPU along a first air path. The gaming machine further comprises a second fan mounted adjacent to the power supply and oriented to push air exiting the power supply out of the gaming machine cabinet along a second air path. The first air path does not substantially intersect the second air path.

Abstract: A removable player station and locking mechanism. In one implementation, a removable player station allows quick and secure replacement, swapping, and upgrade of a modular player station component for electronic games. In one context, an electronic game table may employ multiple of the removable player stations, each secured with a locking mechanism and a common or a unique lock. In one implementation of a latching mechanism, a pivotable cradle attaches to the electronic game or game table and seats the removable player station through a pivoting motion that also brings the cradle into a locking position. When the pivotable cradle is opened from the locking position, the cradle lifts the removable player station from the game or tabletop for easy manual removal. The accessible part of the locking mechanism may be located under an electronic game tabletop away from view of the players.

Abstract: A slot management system including a download and configuration server-based sub-system and method is disclosed for use with game devices, systems, and methods is provided to enable users to monitor, control, and modify game devices and other related activities. A notification system and method is provided for providing one-way delivery of notifications to clients of a server.

Abstract: Blackjack and Blackjack-related card games are provided in which the speed of play is increased over the conventional ways these games are played. After the initial cards are provided to each of the players, determinations regarding the order in which players are to receive requested, additional cards are made using a control that communicates with terminals. The player who is determined to be the first to make a request for another card is provided the next additional card(s). Such determinations rely on requests generated by the players using input elements associated with their terminals. For each set of one or more additional cards being requested, one or more players make a request using the player's input element. A number of such sets of requests are typically made until all players are finished receiving requested cards. Accordingly, players do not need to wait until one or more other players have completed their game play before being able to receive their own additional card(s).

Abstract: A system for playing a live game of chance using electronic wagering. The system uses a gaming table equipped with a card-reading apparatus and multiple dual-mode player/dealer displays, each with a player interface. Physical playing cards are electronically read and delivered to the gaming table. Electronic information of at least one of rank and count is provided to a game processor. The game processor also sends and receives player information to and from a player display. The player display is divided into two areas a first area displaying player information and a second area displaying dealer information. The player enters wagers and other play decisions through the player interface. The system displays information useful to the player on the first area and information useful to the dealer on the second area at appropriate intervals.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes at least a human body detection sensor. The human body detection sensor is disposed on a lower face of a housing portion, so as to face downward and face a cabinet main body. In addition, the gaming machine is provided with a sound sensor on an upper face thereof, and starts executing a game in a case where the human body detection sensor responds and then the sound sensor detects a player's voice.

Abstract: A video repository unit includes a plurality of disk drives arranged in a redundant array and circuitry to control writing/reading of video programs to/from the redundant array. A wireless transceiver receives video programs and transmits a selected video program to a remote viewer responsive to a request received by the wireless transceiver. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A gaming device system in which a plurality of gaming devices are linked by a common bonus event is provided. In one embodiment, the linked gaming device system includes a shared symbol generation display that is positioned adjacent to each of a plurality of associated gaming devices and has a plurality of sections and values displayed at each section. Upon a triggering of the bonus event, any player eligible to participate in the bonus may achieve an outcome generated from the bonus event. When the shared display is activated, it simultaneously generates a separate outcome associated with each of the gaming devices. The outcomes are spatially related to one another so that a random generation of an outcome associated with one gaming device automatically generates random outcomes associated with each gaming device. Each gaming device however receives the outcome only if it has participated in the random generation.

Abstract: Gaming terminals, gaming systems, display device support assemblies, and methods of mounting a display device to a gaming terminal are presented herein. A gaming terminal for playing a wagering game is disclosed. The gaming terminal includes a cabinet, an input device for receiving wagers to play the wagering game, and a display device for displaying information related to the wagering game. The gaming terminal also includes a mounting assembly which affixes the display device proximate the top of the cabinet. The mounting assembly pivotably supports the display device such that a lateral side of the display device can be selectively swung from a first position over the top of the cabinet to a second position over a front of the cabinet where the display device is removable from the cabinet.

Abstract: Composite tabletops for electronic game tables are described. In one implementation, the composite tabletop has a channeled core layer sandwiched between a bottom layer and top layer. The channeled core layer is constructed of foam, so that the foam forms enclosure spaces for player stations, displays, user-interface hardware, central control/server hardware, and cooling equipment. The foam is also shaped to form duct spaces between each player station and a central space in the channeled core layer. The ducts can be used to route wires between each player station and the central space and to direct cooling air to or from each player station. The channeled core layer reduces time and labor during manufacture of an electronic game table and results in an electronic game table that is more lightweight for shipping, absorbs noise generated by enclosed hardware and electronics, absorbs shocks, and optimizes cooling of enclosed components.

Abstract: A game table having a multiplayer interactive display/input device which enables multiple players to simultaneously play primary or base wagering games and/or secondary or bonus games using the display/input device. The display/input device enables multiple players to simultaneously interact with the game table and the various games using the same display/input device. The game table enables multiple players to manipulate displayed objects (such as virtual cards or other game symbols) displayed by the display/input device at the same time. This enables the display/input device to simultaneously display the same game to multiple players in an integrated seamless manner without the need for multiple different sets of display devices and input devices for each of the players.

Abstract: A modularized gaming machine operable to receive wagers on a play of a game of chance is described. The modularized gaming machine may include a base gaming module that can operate independently or can be coupled to additional gaming modules. In one embodiment, the base gaming module may include a security monitoring system operable to determine a security configuration including error conditions that depends on features of gaming modules coupled to the base gaming module. In another embodiment, the security monitoring system may be operable to monitor a fixed security configuration that is independent of the configuration of the modularized gaming machine. The fixed security configuration may anticipate input from security devices that are unconnected in a particular configuration of the modularized gaming machine. In these instances, a signal mechanism may provide information to the security monitoring system to ensure a non-error condition for unconnected security devices.

Abstract: A game table having a multiplayer interactive display/input device which enables multiple players to simultaneously play primary or base wagering games and/or secondary or bonus games using the display/input device. The display/input device enables multiple players to simultaneously interact with the game table and the various games using the same display/input device. The game table enables multiple players to manipulate displayed objects (such as virtual cards or other game symbols) displayed by the display/input device at the same time. This enables the display/input device to simultaneously display the same game to multiple players in an integrated seamless manner without the need for multiple different sets of display devices and input devices for each of the players.