Gaming machine with proximity-sensitive input device
A gaming device includes a proximity-sensitive input device that receives input from a gaming patron based upon placement of an object near the input device but without necessarily touching the input device. In an embodiment, the input device is behind a plate of glass. In another embodiment, the proximity-sensitive input device includes a projected-capacitance sensor grid.
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A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The following notice applies to the software and data as described below and in the drawings that form a part of this document: Copyright 2005, WMS Gaming, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
FIELDThis patent application pertains generally to gaming devices, and more particularly to a gaming device including a proximity sensitive screen.
BACKGROUNDModern gaming devices such as slot machines typically include a user interface that allows a game patron to interact with a computer. Some gaming machines include a touch screen interface. Typically, a touch screen interface is placed in front of a display device. The touch screen is generally transparent, so that a gaming patron can see through the touch screen to an image presented on the display device. The touch screen is typically coupled to a computer system that controls the display device, so that user input through the touch screen can be coordinated with information presented on the display device.
SUMMARYOne embodiment of a gaming machine includes a processor circuit to administer a wagering game, a layer of dielectric material having an outer surface, and a proximity-sensitive input device including a proximity sensor to detect through the layer of dielectric material an object proximate the outer surface of the layer, the proximity-sensitive input device communicatively coupled to the processor circuit, wherein the proximity-sensitive input device is configured to receive an input relating to the wagering game.
Another example of a gaming machine includes a means for displaying information relating to a wagering game, a layer of dielectric material having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface facing the means for displaying information, means for sensing an object proximate the outer surface of the layer of dielectric material to receive an input relating to the wagering game, and means for administering a wagering game in response to the input relating to the wagering game, the means for administering the wagering game communicatively coupled to the means for displaying information relating to the wagering game.
An example of a method of making a gaming device includes mounting a slot machine display device in an interior of a cabinet, coupling a projected capacitance sensor system to an inner surface of a layer of dielectric material, and coupling the layer of dielectric material to the cabinet, the inner surface of the layer of dielectric material facing the slot machine display device, wherein the projected capacitance sensor system is configured to receive an input through the layer of dielectric material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Methods and apparatus for providing gaming machines incorporating a proximity-sensitive input device are described in this application. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order to avoid obscuring the understanding of this description. Note that in the description, references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” mean that the feature being referred to is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Further, separate references to “one embodiment” in this description do no necessarily refer to the same embodiment. However, neither are such embodiments mutually exclusive, unless so stated and except as will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, embodiments of the invention include any variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein. Moreover, in this description, the phrase “exemplary embodiment” means that the embodiment being referred to serves as an example or illustration. Embodiments are also referred to herein as “an example” or “examples.”
Referring now to
Some gaming device embodiments also include buttons 7. The gaming device receives payment for game play through one or more payment mechanisms, such as a card slot 10, a cash slot 12, or a coin slot 14. The device provides a payoff in a coin tray 16 or on a card through card slot 10.
In an example, a proximity-sensitive input device 8 is mounted in front of the display device 6. In one example, a portion of the display 6 that corresponds with a gaming-related option is selectable by placing a conductive object such as a finger proximate a region of the proximity sensitive input device that is associated with the option. For example, in
In another example, a proximity-sensitive input device 22 is located outside the visible playing field defined by the electronic display 6. In
In an example, or more buttons are located outside the field of view of the electronic display. For example, the “Call Attendant” button 150 is located outside the field of view of the display. In an example, the call attendant button 150 includes artwork on a glass. In an example, the artwork is backlit.
Referring now to
While the video displays 34 and 36 are shown stacked vertically in
Referring now to
Referring again to
In an example, the gaming device 10 also includes an electronic display 82. In an example, a bonus game is triggered by a start-bonus outcome in the wagering game and administered through the electronic display 82. In an example, a second proximity-sensitive input device 84 extends over the electronic display.
In an example, the gaming device 60 also includes a video display (see
In the examples illustrated in
A low-voltage AC signal is applied to the conductors 410. The low-voltage AC signal creates an electrostatic field. When a conductive object is placed proximate the sensor grid 405, a capacitance forms between the object and one or more conductors 410 in the sensor grid 405, which disturbs the electric field. The disturbance of the electric field by the conductive object is detectable through two or more of the conductors. A processor circuit 425 that is electrically coupled to the conductors determines the location of the object relative to the conductors 410. In an example, the processor circuit 425 also administers the wagering game.
Referring now to
It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim.
Claims
1. A gaming machine comprising:
- a processor circuit to administer a wagering game;
- a layer of dielectric material having an outer surface; and
- a proximity-sensitive input device including a proximity sensor to detect through the layer of dielectric material an object proximate the outer surface of the layer, the proximity-sensitive input device communicatively coupled to the processor circuit, wherein the proximity-sensitive input device is configured to receive an input relating to the wagering game.
2. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the gaming machine includes a mechanical stepper reel that is visible through the layer of dielectric material and the proximity-sensitive input device.
3. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the proximity-sensitive input device includes a projected-capacitance sensor system.
4. The gaming machine of claim 3, wherein the projected-capacitance sensor system includes a multiplicity of conductors laminated between layers of flexible dielectric material to form a proximity-sensitive film, the proximity-sensitive film proximate an inner surface of the layer of dielectric material.
5. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the proximity-sensitive input device includes conductors integrated into the layer of dielectric material.
6. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the gaming device further includes an electronic display communicatively coupled to the processing unit to display a result of the wagering game that is visible through the layer of dielectric material.
7. The gaming machine of claim 6, wherein a portion of the display device presents an option relating to the wagering game visible through the layer of dielectric material, the processor configured to receive an input from the proximity-sensitive input device based upon detection of an object proximate a region of the proximity-sensitive input device that extends over the portion of the display device that presents the option relating to the wagering game.
8. The gaming machine of claim 6, further comprising at least one marking on the layer of dielectric material identifying a region of the projected capacitance sensor grid and an option associated with the region, the option selectable by placing an object proximate the region identified by the marking.
9. The gaming machine of claim 8, wherein the display device has an outer perimeter, the region of the proximity-sensitive input device associated with the option located outside the outer perimeter of the display device.
10. The gaming machine of claim 1, further comprising a light tower including a light source and a layer of dielectric material extending around the light source, the proximity-sensitive input device positioned between the light source and the layer of dielectric material, and the input relating to the wagering game includes an input that changes the color of the light tower to indicate a parameter of the game.
11. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the display device includes a volumetric three-dimensional display and the proximity-sensitive input device is configured to sense an object proximate the volumetric three-dimensional display.
12. The gaming machine of claim 11, wherein the volumetric three-dimensional display includes a rotating projection surface and a transparent layer extending around the rotating projection surface, the proximity-sensitive input device proximate an inner surface of the transparent layer.
13. A gaming machine comprising:
- means for displaying information relating to a wagering game;
- a layer of dielectric material having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface facing the means for displaying information;
- means for sensing an object proximate the outer surface of the layer of dielectric material to receive an input relating to the wagering game;
- means for administering a wagering game in response to the input relating to the wagering game, the means for administering the wagering game communicatively coupled to the means for displaying information relating to the wagering game.
14. The gaming machine of claim 13, wherein the means for displaying information relating to a wagering game includes a mechanical stepper reel, the layer of dielectric material includes a layer of glass, and the means for sensing an object proximate the outer surface of the layer of dielectric material includes a projected capacitance sensor system.
15. The gaming machine of claim 13, wherein the means for displaying a result of the wagering game includes an electronic display device and the means for administering the wagering game includes a processing circuit configured to present information relating to the wagering game on the display device.
16. The gaming machine of claim 13, wherein the means for administering the wagering game includes a mechanical slot machine including mechanical reels, the means for displaying information relating to the wagering game including external surfaces of the mechanical reels.
17. A method comprising:
- mounting a slot machine display device in an interior of a cabinet;
- coupling a projected capacitance sensor system to an inner surface of a layer of dielectric material; and
- coupling the layer of dielectric material to the cabinet, the inner surface of the layer of dielectric material facing the slot machine display device, wherein the projected capacitance sensor system is configured to receive an input through the layer of dielectric material.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the slot machine display device includes a mechanical stepper reel.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the slot machine display device includes an electronic display device.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the projected capacitance sensor system is coupled to the layer of dielectric material before the layer of dielectric material is coupled to the cabinet.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 24, 2005
Publication Date: Jul 27, 2006
Applicant:
Inventor: Gilbert Joseph Burak (Chicago, IL)
Application Number: 11/041,339
International Classification: A63F 9/24 (20060101);