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 including the shared display. When the shared display is activated, it simultaneously generates a separate or individual 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: 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 gaming machine has an upper housing or cabinet and a lower housing. Various gaming machine components such as a controller, wager-accepting device, and game display may be associated with the upper housing. The position of the upper housing can be changed or adjusted relative to the lower housing. Different positions of the upper housing relative to the lower housing define different configurations of the gaming machine, such as for sit-down or stand-up use.

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: A gaming machine cabinet has a cabinet door is pivotally connected thereto and movable between a closed and open positions. A cabinet door button panel includes a panel support surface opposite the door's inner side, a capture structure at a first boundary of a button panel opening, and a blocking structure at a button panel second boundary opposite the first boundary. A button panel base has a first edge received in a button panel frame capture structure, and second edge received on the panel support surface. A locking flange with a locking projection extends from the button panel base lower side, the locking projection moveable between extended and retracted positions. With the button panel base in an operating position, a locking projection may be placed in the extended position to contact the blocking structure and thereby retain the button panel base in the operating position.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus has several primary gaming devices. Each of the primary gaming devices is configured to accept a wager and to generate a bonus qualifying event. A central display device is mounted in association with the primary gaming devices. The central display device has several flexible belt displays having indicia thereon. A controller is in communication with the gaming devices and the central display device. The controller is configured to detect the bonus qualifying event and to position the flexible belt displays such that at least one of the indicia appearing on the flexible belt displays convey a game outcome. A gaming method using the gaming apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A game station is configured to present multiple games to each of two players. The game station includes a base unit having first and second playing surfaces extending outwardly for supporting game cards used to play a game. A console extends upwardly between the playing surfaces and supports first and second side-by-side electronic video displays on each side facing the player surfaces. Independent game controllers are provided for each of the displays for presenting individual games at each of the displays. The game station includes wager accepting devices for playing the games presented on the video displays. The game station includes player conveniences such as seat, coat hook, and transparent game card cover extending over the playing surfaces. The game station as configured permits players located at each side of the station to engage in the play of at least three independent games concurrently.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A gaming system comprising a gaming machine, a switching mechanism connected between a game controller and an audio visual output device, and an external controller in data communication with the game controller via a first communications link and connected via a second communications link to the switching mechanism. The gaming system is arranged such that, in a first mode, the game controller generates first game events based on the player input and outputs first audio visual data related to the first game events, and the gaming system controls the switching mechanism such that the first audio visual data is routed to the audio visual output device, and, in a second mode, the external controller generates second game events and outputs second audio visual data related to the second game events on the second communications link, and the gaming system controls the switching mechanism such that the second audio visual data is routed to the audio visual output device.

Abstract: Grip pressure is monitored by a collection of battery powered components embodied in an assembly analogous to an ordinary wrist watch, that is a watch housing or casement and a stretchable band. The system, which we shall refer to as a swing monitor, is worn on the wrist and deployed in such a way that the back of the housing or casement is cinched securely to the back or underside of the wrist. A pressure plate on the back of the watch makes contact with the pulse region of the wrist. The flexing and relaxing of the muscles and tendons of the wearer is read by an electronic pressure sensing device, a piezo sensor. A tighter grip will register greater pressure and a looser grip, less pressure. The device records grip pressure associated with the swing of a golf club, tennis racquest or baseball bat, among other articles of sports equipment meant to be swung. The grip pressure determined to be optimal, that is giving the desired result, can be SAVED in the memory of the swing monitor system.

Abstract: A gaming system including a chair having a base and a mechanical connector mounted to the base, and a gaming machine having a rotary locking mechanism to mate with the mechanical connector of the chair to latch the base to the gaming machine. The gaming machine and base can include an electrical connection.

Abstract: A Permanently Adaptable Gaming Mount particularly adapted for holding a gaming console, control pad input devices, gaming media, et. al. all of various shapes and sizes in an organized, personalized, aesthetically pleasing, secure, safe, child safe, adaptable and purloin deterrent manner. The Permanently Adaptable Gaming Mount has a permanently mounted back plate on a generally flat surface with various attachments of unique shapes and sizes which are interchangeable, optional, adaptable, and personalize-able. These attachments are designed to receive and accommodate various control consoles or systems such as Atari, Mattel, Sega, Playstation, Wii, Xbox, and etc. al.; as well as necessary and optional accessory parts and/or games. Attachments are formed with various means adapted to receive different sizes of cartridges, compact discs, or other media containing programming for a console or system.

Abstract: A child's car seat assembly includes built-in components enabling wireless gaming applications. A child's car seat assembly includes built-in components enabling two-way, person-to-person communications. A child's car seat assembly includes built-in components enabling both wireless gaming applications and two-way, person-to-person communications. The child's car seat assembly of the invention is intended for use with an infant or toddler.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for supporting the light-transmitting sheets of material in a gaming cabinet includes an upper retaining structure that secures an upper edge of the sheet, and a lower support surface upon which a lower edge portion of the sheet is disposed. A retaining bracket or the like secures at least the lower portion of the sheet of material to the gaming cabinet.

Abstract: A gaming machine cabinet or housing is constructed from a plurality of connected components. In one embodiment, the cabinet is assembled from base, side, top, back and door components or sections. The housing may have a basis configuration constructed from a base, sides, top, back and a first door. The housing may have a plurality of modified configurations constructed from various of the basic configuration components, such as the base, sides and back, and an extension and modified door. In accordance with the invention, the gaming machine housing may be manufactured in one location and then conveniently shipped in unassembled form to another location for assembly and use. The gaming machine housing may also be constructed in a variety of configurations utilizing a small number of components.

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: 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 (1 2). 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.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting gaming machines to a support, in a manner that enables gaming machines to be quickly and easily installed and removed. A mounting base is provided for each gaming machine. Ports are formed in the support that are shaped to receive the mounting bases. Once a gaming machine is placed on the support, the mounting base passes into a port and the gaming machine sits flush on the support. Mechanical fasteners are then used to lock the mounting bases into the ports so that the gaming machines cannot be removed from the support. The gaming machines are also connected to power cables and signal cables under the top surface of the support.

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 new game cabinet with special top box is disclosed, usable in combination to mount an extended display and associated mounting apparatus (such as a bezel, frame, etc.). This allows a standard base cabinet to be used, without modification, with both standard displays that can be mounted inside the base cabinet, and with extended displays that are too large to be mounted on the base cabinet.

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: An entertainment machine having a display device including a rotatable reel with symbols around its periphery. The symbols are defined digitally on a support, such as a curved LCD strip, by feed of signals from a signal generating device. The support may rotate with the reel. Alternatively the support may be fixed so that the reel rotates but the support is static. In this case, the support extends round part only of the periphery of the reel and the feed of signals is such as to define symbols which move with the rotation of the reel.

Abstract: A container (100) is disclosed comprising a compartment (110); a controller (120) for controlling access to the compartment (110); a near-field communication device (130) for providing the controller (120) with identification information, said controller (120) being responsive to said identification information, wherein the near-field communication device (130) comprises a plurality of antennae (132), each of said antennae being accessible in a different surface area of the container (100). The container (100) may be used in games using near-field communication (NFC) technology, such as a NFC-based version of pass the parcel. An electronic game system (300) comprising such a container and a game controller (200) for use in such an electronic game system (100) are also disclosed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A revised universal base structure which is adapted for use in manufacturing various different versions of an electromechanical game using the same base structure. The base structure provides a network or grid of recessed areas above which a ground plate may extend. The recessed areas are formed as small squares and various small playing pieces are receivable in the recesses so that they can be retrieved by players during the course of game play. However, the base structure can be used with various uniquely different ground plates and unique upper boards to form various different embodiments of the differing games.

Abstract: Certain examples provide systems, methods, and apparatus for gaming. An example method includes initiating a wagering game comprising an initial expected time duration at which the wagering game will terminate if no time duration altering events occur in the wagering game; altering the time duration of the wagering game in response to a duration altering event occurring in the wagering game to derive a current expected time duration; and terminating the wagering game when the initial or current expected time duration expires.

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 gaming machine includes a cabinet defining an enclosure volume with a cabinet front opening. A main door is pivotally connected at its upper end to the cabinet so as to be pivotable with respect to the cabinet between a closed position and an open position. In the open position the lower end of the main door is pivoted upwardly and away from the cabinet to expose the enclosure volume in the main portion of the cabinet. A button panel or button panel and armrest structure is mounted at the lower end of the main door, and extends in a plane lying at an angle to the remainder of the main door so as to project outwardly from the cabinet when the main door is in the closed position. A lower door of the gaming machine has a lower end which is ako pivotally connected to the cabinet so as to be pivotable with respect to the cabinet between a closed position and an open position.

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: 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.

Abstract: A gaming machine cabinet has a cabinet door is pivotaliy connected thereto and movable between a closed and open positions. A cabinet door button panel includes a panel support surface opposite the door's inner side, a capture structure at a first boundary of a button panel opening, and a blocking structure at a button panel second boundary opposite the first boundary. A button panel base has a first edge received in a button panel frame capture structure, and second edge received on the panel support surface. A locking flange with a locking projection extends from the button panel base lower side, the locking projection moveable between extended and retracted positions. With the button panel base in an operating position, a locking projection may he placed in the extended position to contact the blocking structure and thereby retain the button panel base in the operating position.

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: Provided is a gaming machine having a cabinet. Between the back as a back face and the right side face of the sides of the cabinet, the gaming machine has a right end side, which is formed by cutting a plane parallel to the gravitational direction in a manner to join lines spaced at predetermined distances in the individual directions of the back and the right side face from a line of intersection, on which the back and the right side face intersect when extended. The gaming machine also has a left end side between the back and a left side face. Moreover, the right end side and the left end side are symmetric with respect to a plane dividing the cabinet equally to the right and left.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A countertop entertainment terminal includes a terminal housing containing components for a pay to play game terminal including a stereo sound system. The sound system includes a pair of tweeter speakers adjacent an upper edge of the terminal housing and a pair of midrange speakers located on opposite sides of a touchscreen supported by the terminal housing. A sub-woofer speaker is provided within the housing and is open to a side of the housing. In a preferred embodiment the stereo sound system uses subassemblies for each of the tweeter speakers, the midrange speakers and the sub-woofer speaker, simplifying securement within or to the housing.

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: A portable computer comprises a base and a display lid hingeably coupled to the base. The display lid comprises a front surface and first and second graphics displays mounted in the display lid and viewable from the front surface. The second graphics display is smaller than the first display. Other portable computers include the second graphics display in the base rather than in the display lid.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes: a CPU 106 which determines whether or not the game state is to be switched to a special game state advantageous to a player; mechanical reels 30A through 30C formed of a translucent material to display multiple kinds of indicating information variably and statically; a motor driving circuit 120 which controls the mechanical reels 30A through 30C; a water tank 500 formed of a translucent material to retain liquid, and provided behind a display screen 10; lamps 650a through 650w for emitting multiple kinds of lights toward the liquid stored in the water tank 500; and a drive control circuit 300 which performs a control operation that instructs the lamps 650a through 650w to emit a light selected from among the multiple kinds of lights according to the result of the determination made by the CPU 106.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a plurality of rails extending vertically along the front corners of the cabinet. The number of rails can be varied as required for gaming machines of different heights. Lighting units may be positioned between vertically adjacent rails. The number of rails utilized to form a gaming machine can be varied as required for gaming machines of different heights.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotating bill acceptor for use with a gaming device. The gaming device includes a cabinet with a locking mechanism, where the bill acceptor is rotatably mounted within the cabinet and removably engages the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes one or two pins connected to the cabinet, wherein the pins are engaged by an engagement member on the bill acceptor. The bill acceptor rotates between a bill insertion position and a bill removal position and includes a cash box removably connected to the bill acceptor, which stores the bills until removed and emptied.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprises a display, a cabinet, a front door, and a slide-in button panel. The display depicts a randomly selected game outcome. The cabinet houses the display. The front door is hinged to the cabinet and includes a frame. The slide-in button panel is mounted by sliding it into the frame and supports a plurality of physical buttons for operating the gaming machine. The button panel is easily removed from the frame for maintenance or replacement purposes.

Abstract: Herein is described a system comprising: a generic multi-player gaming station hardware platform that is downloaded with multiple games that gives a player at a given station a menu of available games, and a secure intranet network operating on the Internet to support the operation of the multi-player gaming station hardware platform.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for supporting and decorating a window. The apparatus includes a frame, a lamp and a lens assembly. The frame includes a middle slab formed between two lateral slabs. Each of the lateral slabs includes a window-receiving groove, a V-shaped groove and a lens-receiving groove. The depth of the window-receiving groove of each of the lateral slabs is at an angle from that of the window-receiving groove of the other lateral slab. The middle slab is in parallel to a plane in which valleys of the V-shaped grooves of the lateral slabs lie. The lamp includes illuminators supported on a board. The board includes two edges inserted in the V-shaped grooves. The lens assembly includes lenses each including at least two tongues each extending from a side and including a tip movably inserted in the lens-receiving groove of a related one of the lateral slabs.

Abstract: A machine cabinet system is provided. The system includes a machine cabinet with a top face and a front face. In one embodiment, a removable panel is included that is removably coupled to at least one of the top face and the front face of the machine cabinet. In another embodiment, the removable panel is removably coupled to the machine cabinet without use of a tool.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for wireless interaction with a portable device supported by a stand are presented. In one method operation, a communications link is established between the portable device and the stand. The stand tracks the motion of an input device within an interactivity zone. In another method operation, the portable device interfaces with the input device to generate actions associated with game objects in the portable device, where the interface takes place when the input device is in or near the interactivity zone. Additionally, the stand moves when the tracking detects that the input device is outside predefined boundaries near an edge of the interactivity zone. The stand movement information is transferred via the communications link to update the location of the interactivity zone.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to gaming machines having multi-monitor support for controlling up to four monitors on a gaming device. According to one embodiment, the gaming device includes a first display for presenting a primary game. The gaming device also includes a second display and a third display where the second display is positioned above the third display. The second and third displays are used in combination to present a secondary game. The gaming device further includes a multi-core processor in communication with a first video chipset and a second video chipset, wherein the first and second video chipsets support the first, second and third monitors.

Abstract: Cashbox security mechanisms, gaming machines with a cashbox security mechanism, and methods for securing and removing a portable cashbox from a gaming machine are presented herein. The cashbox security mechanism stores and secures a cashbox, which stows currency received, for example, from a currency processing device. The cashbox security mechanism includes an outer housing, such as a gaming machine cabinet or a substructure mounted inside a cabinet. An inner chassis mates with and retains the cashbox. The inner chassis and a security door are pivotably mounted with respect to the outer housing. The security door and inner chassis are positionable to cooperatively secure the cashbox within the cashbox security mechanism. Likewise, the security door and inner chassis are respositionable to cooperatively define an access chute through which the cashbox is removable from the cashbox security mechanism.

Abstract: Gaming machine chairs and wagering game systems and machines with a gaming chair are presented herein. A gaming chair is disclosed that includes a base, a seat portion supported by the base, one or more speaker assemblies, and a backrest assembly. The backrest assembly includes a backrest and a mounting frame. The mounting frame has a polymeric honeycombed body comprising a plurality of ribs that define an array of compartments. Optionally, the mounting frame body has at least one contoured face. The mounting frame is attached to the backrest and speaker assembly, coupling both the backrest and speaker assembly to the base. The mounting frame may be fabricated with numerous fastening regions that are integrally formed with the polymeric body. In this optional configuration, at least some of the fastening regions lie in a respective plane divergent from the other fastening regions.

Abstract: 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. A handle assembly is provided for each support wall, each of which includes a handle member and a mounting portion that is movably mounted to a corresponding support wall of the support frame between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the handle member is positioned in a manner that enables the top panel to be oriented in the closed position. In the second position, the handle member is exposed in a manner that permits gripping thereof to vertically support and lift the gaming machine assembly.