Housing Patents (Class 463/46)
-
Patent number: 8226488Abstract: A modular gaming machine system has a first gaming box with a main processor configured to control a game of chance played on the gaming machine by executing game code that uses gaming instructions received from a PCI-e controller. At least one interface is coupled to the first gaming box to receive a PCI Express (PCI-e) bus to communicatively link the PCI-e controller and the main processor. A second gaming box contains the PCI-e controller for communicating with at least one peripheral device on the gaming machine and at least one critical gaming device in communication with the PCI-e controller. There is at least one access port coupled to the second gaming box to receive a free end of the PCI-e bus, wherein the PCI-e bus extends outside the first and second gaming box and is secured by one or more doors, locks, sensors, evidence tape, and/or combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2006Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: IGTInventors: Xuedong Chen, Steven G. LeMay, John Goodman
-
Patent number: 8221246Abstract: An entertainment chair includes a base, a bottom surface positioned on a lower portion of the base and a seating surface positioned opposite the bottom surface. The entertainment chair further includes a support surface formed or removeably attachable with respect to the bottom surface and permitting 360 degrees of rotation of the base relative to a floor surface. The entertainment chair further includes an internal control for translating movement of a user to an entertainment system and may further include a means for operably connecting the entertainment chair to an entertainment medium for receiving a signal produced by the entertainment medium.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: eFurn Holdings, LLCInventors: Steve Lee, Chris Daisy
-
Publication number: 20120178539Abstract: A bar top gaming unit is configured to be mounted in a bar top or similar environment. The unit includes an air cooling system including at least one moveable air port. The air port has a first end located remote from the unit and a second end in communication with the interior, and where a position of the first end is changeable relative to the unit. The unit also includes an operator interface including at least one display. The operator interface is located at the rear of the unit and faces in an opposing direction from a main player display so as to be viewable by an operator located at a rear of the unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Inventor: Joseph W. Cole
-
Patent number: 8216074Abstract: A gaming machine is provided, which includes a housing with an opening in front thereof and a front door that is pivotally coupled to one side of the housing so as to open and close the opening. The front door includes a display, a decorative device, and an operation device. The display device is disposed in an upper portion of the housing. The decorative device is disposed in a lower portion of the housing. The operation device is disposed in a middle portion of the housing. A front portion of the operation device projects with respect to the display device and the decorative device. A rear portion of the operation device is internally installed in the front door. The operation device is configured to move backward such that a front surface of the front door is maintained substantially flush while the front door is opened.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Universal Entertainment CorporationInventor: Hiro Sakuma
-
Patent number: 8216036Abstract: An entertainment system comprises a remotely controlled toy having a video camera operable to capture video images of a real environment and an entertainment device operable to communicate using a data communications link with the remotely controlled toy, in which the device comprises transmitting means operable to transmit, via the data communications link, control data to the remotely controlled toy that relates to the control of the remotely controlled toy, receiving means operable to receive, from the data communications link, video images captured by the video camera—of the remotely controlled toy, detecting means operable to detect a real environment feature within the real environment, processing means operable to generate a virtual image feature in dependence upon the detected real environment feature, and displaying means operable to generate a combined display of the captured video images and the virtual image feature such that the virtual image feature is arranged with respect to the video images sType: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Sony Corporation Entertainment Europe LimitedInventors: Adriana Maria Eyzaguirre, Peter John Hodges
-
Patent number: 8210534Abstract: An inflatable vehicle for simulating a driving experience while playing realistic computer-video driving games such as the WII games. The vehicle is life-like in construction and allows a player to sit therein while playing driving game. A steering wheel or handle bar is configured to receive a game controller—which controls the video game when the steering wheel or handle bar is manipulated like a real life equivalent thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2011Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: CTA Digital, Inc.Inventors: Lipa Markowitz, Tang Chun Kit
-
Patent number: 8210949Abstract: A gaming, betting and/or entertainment machine, in particular a coin-and/or cash-operable gaming or betting machine, has a housing, a data processing unit accommodated in the housing, at least one display device for displaying game and/or entertainment signals, and an operating device for machine operation, which is disposed on the housing. The housing has a modular structure and a plurality of modules to be attached to each other, which each are preassembled with the electronic components attached thereto. A first housing module, which carries the data processing unit and possibly the operating means, includes a first connection interface, by which a respective second housing module, which carries the respective display device, can selectively be attached to the first housing module. The data processing unit in the first housing module advantageously has a detection device for self-detection of the respectively connected electronic components in or on the respectively attached further housing modules.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Novomatic AGInventor: Johann F. Graf
-
Patent number: 8206225Abstract: A reusable interdiction apparatus that makes use of a housing of dimensions making the housing suitable to be carried and thrown by an individual. A light source is disposed within the housing and adapted to project an optical signal through a portion of the housing. A controller is used for controlling operation of the light source. A power source is disposed within the housing and used for powering the controller and the light source.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2008Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jeffrey J. Voelker, Michael J. Vilcheck, David Greenwald
-
Patent number: 8197315Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for the virtual and interactive practicing of soccer, complementing the joysticks comprising a pair of control units, comprising an attachment system joining one of the control units to a balloon in which the player can stamp his foot and a connection system interlinking the two control units over a distance that can be greater than the length of their connecting lead.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2008Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Bigben InteractiveInventors: Frédéric Nicolas, Frédéric Claudel
-
Patent number: 8187091Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.Inventor: Katsuhiro Kido
-
Patent number: 8189814Abstract: A multiplayer participation type gaming system, comprising: a plurality of gaming machines arranged on a predetermined play area; and a sound insulating wall disposed between adjacent gaming machines among the gaming machines, each of the gaming machines carries out the processing of: performing an arithmetic operation, in response to a play of the player, on a value indicative of the game result, and storing after updating the play history data stored in the memory by using the result of the arithmetic operation; comparing the updated play history data with the predetermined threshold value data; generating, when it is determined that the play history data exceeds the threshold value data, sound data based on the play history data by using the plurality of voice generating original data stored in the memory; and outputting a sound from the speaker based on the sound data thus generated.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.Inventor: Kazuo Okada
-
Patent number: 8187095Abstract: A universal game console controller that has an LCD presenting, depending on what type of game console a user has input, a controller key layout for a first type of game console or a controller key layout for a second type of game console.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2008Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventors: Ling Jun Wong, Utkarsh Pandya, Biranchi Narayan Rout
-
Patent number: 8182347Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine for conducting a wagering game comprises a gaming cabinet having a front door, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a rear wall. The rear wall is adjacent to at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall. The gaming machine further comprises at least one structural member located between the rear wall and at least one of the first side wall and the second wall within the gaming cabinet for providing structural reinforcement.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Charles R. Bleich, Jacob C. Greenberg, Victor Mercado, James M. L. Shird, Yolanda D. Whisenton
-
Publication number: 20120122571Abstract: A top box wheel assembly and method are disclosed wherein a flat panel display is mounted on a rectangular shaped cabinet top box structure and a circular bezel structure overlays the flat panel display such that a wheel-shaped display area is provided. The circular bezel structure also is shown to include a rectangular cutout base to also provide a rectangular-shaped display area. The circular bezel structure is further shown to include a circular pattern of LEDs which may be operated synchronously or quasi-synchronously with the wheel-shaped display area on which a rotating wheel may be displayed together with an indicator.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: Multimedia Games, Inc.Inventors: Frank DeSimone, Michael Kolodziej, Travis Bussey, Brandon Fish, Joel Shively, Clint Owen, JP Cody
-
Patent number: 8177637Abstract: Disclosed are gaming machines, including related methods, apparatus, and systems, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for providing a game of chance. Peripheral devices, such as a bill acceptor and ticket printer, are consolidated in a central region of the gaming machine, behind a moveable door of the machine. Doors of the machine, including a door having a display, are moveable in directions along a longitudinal axis of the machine between open and closed positions. An adjustable button panel is moveable to a plurality of positions along the longitudinal axis, independent of the moveable doors. An array of networked displays on one or more gaming machines are controlled to simultaneously output lighting patterns, including synchronized patterns, associated with various events. Designated lighting patterns can also be output on light borders disposed around groups of buttons and other input devices on the button panel.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: IGTInventors: John Leagh Beadell, Russell Chudd, Fred Nesemeier, Randy Hedrick, Charles Curbbun, Andrew Zoolakis, Kevin Simmons, Bill Leach
-
Publication number: 20120115564Abstract: Systems described herein include wagering game machines having a cabinet memory mounted or affixed to a cabinet or cabinet component. The cabinet memory provides configuration data and manufacturing data for the cabinet and cabinet components. The configuration data may be used during operation of the wagering game machine to properly configure the components and operation of the wagering game machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2010Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventors: Stephen A. Canterbury, Victor Mercado, Charles R. Bleich, Timothy C. Loose, Jorge Luis Shimabukuro
-
Patent number: 8172688Abstract: A gaming machine has a first gaming device component and a second display device component and is particularly suited to presentation of wagering games. The gaming device is a first housing with associated player input devices and a game controller. The display device has a second housing with at least one game information display. The display device may be mounted to the gaming device to create a unitary device, or it may be mounted or set apart from the gaming device. The display device may also be connected to the gaming device in a number of orientations to create different gaming machine configurations. The display device also supports various display configurations, such as video displays and spinning reels.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2011Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Inventor: Joseph W. Cole
-
Patent number: 8167724Abstract: A guest management method and system for an online multi-player virtual realty environment or social networking site. A network interface receives guest access requests from guest clients and input data from a plurality of remotely-located clients. The input data is operative to control avatars associated with the clients in a modeled virtual reality environment. A memory holds program instructions for determining whether the guest access is associated with a member client. If the guest access request is associated with the member client, then the guest client is allowed to access the virtual reality environment via a guest avatar. The guest avatar's movements in the virtual reality environment are restricted based on a location of a member avatar controlled by the associated member client. For example, the guest avatar may only be permitted to move within an area that is bounded by a perimeter about the member avatar.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Inventor: Gary Stephen Shuster
-
Publication number: 20120094732Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventor: JOSEPH W. COLE
-
Patent number: 8157655Abstract: A secured gaming table device that uses TITO and RFID to use and exchange vouchers, winnings from slot machines, promotions, and coupons; provide cashless payout from a gaming table; provide transaction receipts; link gaming tables; and connect and use systems in use, such as the TITO System and Player Tracking System, for credit transfer to and from game vouchers, player tracking cards, promotional coupons, cash, RFID chips, and non-RFID chips, among others, thereby expanding the use of credit transfer to include gaming tables. The secured gaming table device includes a gaming printer, barcode reader or scanner, bill validator, interface, and keypad, among others; and connects to host systems for the issuance and redemption of vouchers and/or promotional coupons at a gaming table.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Futurelogic, Inc.Inventors: Eric James Meyerhofer, Robert Denham
-
Patent number: 8147332Abstract: In a wireless gaming system, one or more game controllers may be visually associated with corresponding player identities by using colored indicator lights on the game controller(s) and game console to identify which player in a computer game is controlled by a given controller. Indicator lights on the controller are illuminated in response to control signals sent via Bluetooth wireless signals so as to match the indicator lights on the console. When multiple controllers are used with a multi-player computer game, a single wireless interface device at the game console is used to issue control signals to each controller so that each controller has a light indicator that is illuminated to identify which player is controlled by the controller.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2006Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventor: Robert W. Hulvey
-
Publication number: 20120071248Abstract: A video game device case includes a body configured to receive a hand-held video game device and a plurality of video game cartridges. In some examples, the video game device case includes a selector switch, which may be used to select between the plurality of video game cartridges housed in the video game device case. In some examples, the body of the video game device case is configured to receive a battery. Upon being electrically connected to the hand-held video game device, the video game device case may provide power to the hand-held device and different games for play at the touch of a switch, thus enhancing the length of playing time and the variety of gaming experiences available when using the hand-held gaming device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: Imation Corp.Inventor: Lawrence D. Hovseth
-
Publication number: 20120064978Abstract: A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: LEAP FORWARD GAMINGInventor: William R. WELLS
-
Publication number: 20120063625Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame having an opening, a gate mechanism partially bounding the opening, at least one tool receiving section, and a power source. The apparatus includes at least one electronic device configured to be received in the at least one tool receiving section. The frame is configured to provide electrical power to the electronic device via the power source when the electronic device is received in the at least one tool receiving section, and the gate mechanism comprises a gate coupled to the frame, the gate being movable relative to the frame to permit access to the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventors: Launce R. Barber, Thomas R. Stokes
-
Publication number: 20120046107Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: IGTInventors: Thomas D. Waxman, Scott T. Gowin, Brandon J. Bohling
-
Patent number: 8118681Abstract: Various aspects are directed to a gaming system configured or designed for use with a bar top or table top. In at least one embodiment, the gaming system may include a movable gaming unit, the movable gaming unit which is operable to be lowered below an upper surface of the bar top or table top, and which is operable to be raised, at least partially, above the upper surface of the bar top or table top. In at least one embodiment, the gaming system may be operable to control a wager-based game played on the gaming system. The gaming system may be further operable to lower the gaming unit below the upper surface of the bar top or table top in response to detecting at least one first condition or event. The gaming system may be further operable to raise a first portion of the gaming unit above the upper surface of the bar top or table top in response to detecting at least one second condition or event.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: IGTInventors: Harold E. Mattice, Chris Gadda, Chan Griswold, James Stockdale, Richard Wilder
-
Patent number: 8113517Abstract: A gaming chair for use with a gaming machine that conducts a wagering game, the chair includes a seat and a tactile device for providing tactile sensations via the seat according to at least one of events occurring in the wagering game, and player input through an input device.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Stephen A. Canterbury, Jacob C. Greenberg, Timothy C. Loose, Eric M. Pryzby, Norman R. Wurz
-
Patent number: 8115115Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine for conducting a wagering game comprises a gaming cabinet having a first member and a second member. The first member is located physically separate from the second member. The gaming machine further comprises a plurality of high-voltage wires generally located within the first member. The gaming machine additionally includes a plurality of low-voltage wires generally located within the second member. The first member and the second member shielding the respective plurality of high-voltage wires and low-voltage wires to reduce electrical interference between the plurality of high-voltage wires and the plurality of low-voltage wires.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Charles R. Bleich, Victor Mercado, James M. Shird
-
Patent number: 8109832Abstract: A Sic-bo automated dice-cage has a control module, a dice module and a switch module. The dice module is connected to the control module and has a base, a dice container, multiple dice, a shaker and a cover. The dice container is pellucid and is mounted on the base. The dice are placed in the dice container. The shaker is mounted movably inside the dice container and is controlled by the control module to shake the dice at a variable frequency. The cover selectively covers the dice container and is controlled by the control module to cover and uncover the dice container. The switch module is electronically connected to the control module and comprises actuators to activate the control module to shake the dice, to cover and uncover the dice. The variable frequency of movement of the shaker may further change according to a position of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventors: Tien-Shu Hsu, Shun-Tsung Hsu, Ying-Nan Lai
-
Patent number: 8109825Abstract: An enhanced mechanical gaming system (10) utilizes a touch panel (40) as a user control device for mechanical assemblies and game play features which provides users with the enhanced flexibility and interactivity of a video gaming device in a mechanical gaming device environment. The enhanced mechanical gaming system (10) includes a gaming machine assembly (20), a touch sensor assembly (30) incorporating a substantially transparent touch panel (40), a touch panel controller (50), and touch panel software (60). The gaming machine assembly is a standard gaming machine assembly that has been modified to utilize touch-panel components. The touch panel (40) and the sensor assembly (30) produce touch data when activated, and provide viewing of mechanical assemblies behind the touch panel (40). The touch panel controller (50) acts to control and interpret the touch panel (40).Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence McAllister, James Morrow, Richard Hunsaker
-
Publication number: 20120028708Abstract: A gaming machine (10) is provided having a plurality of modules. The gaming machine (10) may be used to provide a flexible architecture gaming machine. The plurality of modules include a play module (12) containing a display device (14) and a computational device (100) for controlling the operation of the gaming machine (10), and a base module (24) shaped and dimensioned to either directly or indirectly support the play module (12). The play module (12) includes a communication interface device (104) operable to communicate with a transaction handler that may be a transaction handling module (16). Also described and claimed is a method of supplying and a method of manufacturing a flexible architecture gaming machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventors: Peter Dreyer, Neil Hogg
-
Patent number: 8107240Abstract: An electronic gaming machine interface system including a first circuit board, a bracket coupled to the first circuit board, a fan coupled to the bracket and disposed over the first circuit board, a second circuit board coupled to the bracket, a first cable coupled between a connector of the first circuit board and a connector of the second circuit board; and a second cable coupled between a connector of the first circuit board and a connector of the second circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: San Pasqual Casino Development Group Inc.Inventor: David Alan Spence, Jr.
-
Patent number: 8105169Abstract: A portable electronic device (100) has a long sideways housing (10) whose both ends are held by the hands of a user and an LCD fitted in the surface of the housing (10). Bulges (42L, 42R) projecting outward are formed on both end portions of the rear face of the housing (10), which both end portions being held by fingers of the user holding the housing. When the fingers and palms of user's hands are placed along the bulges (42L, 42R) with the fingers and palms bent naturally, the device fits the hands and operability is less likely to be impaired even the user violently moves in game play with the device.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Shinichi Ogasawara, Masayasu Ito, Hajime Ishihara, Nobutoshi Hamada, Shuuichi Miyazaki
-
Publication number: 20120021820Abstract: A video terminal may be provided. The video terminal may include internal hardware. The video terminal may include a cabinet, the cabinet enclosing the internal hardware. The video terminal may include a door movably attached to the cabinet, the door having a door opened and a door closed position. The video terminal may include a display screen movably attached to the cabinet separately from the door and having a screen opened and a screen closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: Timothy Alexander Gordon, Julien Grell, Steven Mckeown, Jean-Frederic Roy, Todd Smith
-
Patent number: 8096884Abstract: Disclosed are gaming machines, including related methods, apparatus, and systems, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for providing a game of chance. Peripheral devices, such as a bill acceptor and ticket printer, are consolidated in a central region of the gaming machine, behind a moveable door of the machine. Doors of the machine, including a door having a display, are moveable in directions along a longitudinal axis of the machine between open and closed positions. An adjustable button panel is moveable to a plurality of positions along the longitudinal axis, independent of the moveable doors. An array of networked displays on one or more gaming machines are controlled to simultaneously output lighting patterns, including synchronized patterns, associated with various events. Designated lighting patterns can also be output on light borders disposed around groups of buttons and other input devices on the button panel.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: IGTInventors: John Leagh Beadell, Russell Chudd, Fred Nesemeier, Randy Hedrick, Charles Curbbun, Andrew Zoolakis, Kevin Simmons, Bill Leach
-
Patent number: 8094450Abstract: A vent cover is provided for use with a gaming machine. The vent cover comprises a body for location over a vent in a housing of the gaming machine. The vent cover cooperates with the housing to define a vent space through which air flows to and from an interior of the gaming machine via the vent. The vent cover has air ports in communication with the vent space. The vent cover also has one or more drains which direct water from the vent space. The vent cover is preferably used with an exhaust vent of a gaming machine, directing heated air upwardly away from the gaming machine and preventing foreign material from entering the gaming machine through the vent.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Cole Kepro International, LLCInventor: Joseph W. Cole
-
Patent number: 8094153Abstract: A game apparatus includes a first LCD and a second LCD, and on the first LCD, a two-dimensional game screen including objects positioned in a two-dimensional coordinate is displayed. When a two-dimensional coordinate of a specific object out of the objects positioned in the two-dimensional coordinate satisfies a predetermined condition, a three-dimensional coordinate of each of the objects is calculated on the basis of the two-dimensional coordinate of each of the objects. The object is modeled in the calculated three-dimensional coordinate, moved by a predetermined animation, and then shot by a virtual camera. Accordingly, a game screen of an image (animation) of the three-dimensional virtual space shot by the virtual camera is displayed on the second LCD.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2010Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinya Saito, Yasunari Watanabe, Kenichi Yokoo
-
Patent number: 8088013Abstract: A gaming machine includes a first box having inner walls, a second box, a front member, a communicating portion, and an exhausting portion. The front member has side walls, and covers components placed at a front portion of the second box. The front member defines a first space at the front portion. The communicating portion provided at the front portion allows a second space inside the second box to communicate with the first space. The exhausting portion provided in a side wall of the front member allows air sent from the second space to the first space to be discharged. The front member is arranged such that a first distance is smaller than a second distance, where the first distance starts at a first inner wall to finish at a first side wall, and the second distance starts at a second inner wall to finish at a second side wall.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2008Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Universal Entertainment CorporationInventors: Takashi Abe, Hideaki Kishi, Yuya Konno
-
Patent number: 8088014Abstract: A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2010Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Leap Forward GamingInventor: William R. Wells
-
Patent number: 8083594Abstract: A gaming machine having a multi-tiered power supply and power distribution system which enables maintenance of low security and higher failure rate components such as video monitors, LCDs, or reel mechanisms without disconnecting power from higher security, low failure rate components such as the main processor board. The ability to provide multi-tiered power in this manner allows low security risk items to be serviced while the gaming machine is still in contact with the casino's backend reporting system, reporting on its status. This improves security, accountability of maintenance personnel, and significantly reduces overall gaming machine down time.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2010Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Bally Gaming SystemsInventor: Charles T Schreiber
-
Patent number: 8083592Abstract: A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2010Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Leap Forward GamingInventor: William R. Wells
-
Patent number: 8075408Abstract: In a first aspect there is provided a modular visual output component for a gaming machine, including a housing, at least one visual output device, an input connector electrically coupled to the visual output device, and an output connector electrically coupled to the input connector. The input and output connectors being arranged relative to the housing and shaped such that the output connector can be connected to an input connector of a further modular visual output component having the same configuration with the modular visual output components abutting one another, whereby two or more modular visual output components can be joined to one another and supplied from a common power source.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty.Inventor: John Shi Feng Hwang
-
Patent number: 8075400Abstract: A game machine comprises a monitor for displaying a screen image for prompting a manipulation input, a control panel unit provided with push buttons and adapted to accept manipulations from a game player so as to make progress on a game, a movement mechanism unit disposed at a bottom of a base segment to provide turning and traveling to the control panel unit , an apparatus-body drive control section 107 for controlling the drive of the movement mechanism unit, and a control instruction section or for outputting a given drive control instruction generated during game play to the drive control section, whereby a motion for positional displacement of a manipulation input unit is instructed in line with a game progress or a game result to exert an influence on a difficulty level of a game so as to enhance amusement of the game.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2005Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Konami Digitalk Entertainment Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigenobu Matsuyama, Ryo Ueda, Toru Takeda
-
Publication number: 20110300950Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming machine which is capable of remarkably improving an effect given to a player. The gaming machine according to the present invention is provided with: a cabinet having a display portion for making a display according to the contents of a game played; a plurality of speakers 112A to 112D which are provided at their appropriate positions which are different from each other in height; and a control means for positionally changing a sound image of a sound that is outputted from a respective one of the speakers 112A to 112D, whereby a plurality of speakers 112A to 112D are provided at a top and a bottom of the gaming machine. A variety of effects exerted by means of sound can be provided in such a manner as if a position of a sound source were changed by positionally changing the sound image of the sound that is outputted from a respective one of these speakers 112A to 112D.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicants: Aruze Gaming America, Inc., UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATIONInventor: Satoru NODA
-
Patent number: 8070610Abstract: A “drop-in” style bar top gaming machine that includes a support frame having at least two opposed support walls, and a top panel assembly supporting a display device. The top panel assembly is further configured to cooperate with the support frame for movement between a closed position and an open position, enabling access to the support frame. An illumination assembly is provided for interior illumination of the gaming machine.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2011Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Kay Vetter, Randy Hedrick, John Leagh Beadell
-
Patent number: 8070609Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2006Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Thomas D. Waxman, Scott T. Gowin, Brandon J. Bohling
-
Patent number: 8070571Abstract: Improvements relating to a control device for controlling a display of a computer system for use with a video game includes a coordinate control unit for providing information related to a vertical and horizontal tilt of the control device, a game control unit for inputting game control information and a controller for processing the information provided by the coordinate control unit and game control unit. The vertical and horizontal point of view of the user in the video game and/or the vertical and horizontal position of a cursor on the display is determined based on the information related to the vertical and horizontal tilt of the control device. The control device is preferably shaped like a firearm to enhance the realism of the video game, and may include an LCD display mounted on the control device, as the primary display, and may also include an LCD mounted in a sighting device of the control device.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Inventor: Eric Argentar
-
Patent number: 8062120Abstract: A dynamic entertainment playing card having a flexible electronic display and a processor is configured to change state during a card game based on input received by the card during the card game and applied to a set of game rules by the processor. The card display is configured to display changing images on the face of the card during game play according to the changing card state.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Inventors: Charles Zapata, Daniel J. Shapiro
-
Publication number: 20110281657Abstract: A gaming machine includes curved panel edges that may be illuminated. The panel edges have compound curves. A tool and method for forming compound curved edge shapes is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventors: Ryan D. McComb, Brian R. Soules
-
Patent number: 8057306Abstract: In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses detect a device; detect a status level corresponding to the device; receive content on the device based on the status level; and display the content on the device based on the status level.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2004Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventors: Ellen Glassman, David Farrage, Yumiko Takagi, Michelle Koza, Paul H. Feinberg