Patent Grant
10417860
The present invention relates to gaming machines having electronic video displays and methods of mounting those displays.
Wager-based gaming machines have become increasingly complex. Originally, mechanical slot machines had metal cabinets which housed a plurality of spinning physical reels which displayed game symbols. The symbols were viewable through windows in a front of the gaming machine.
Much later, video gaming machines were developed, such as video poker and video slot machines. These gaming machines had a cabinet which housed a large CRT display. The CRT was supported on a shelf in the cabinet and was viewable through a glass covered opening in the front of the gaming machine.
CRT displays were later replaced with thinner and lighter LCD and similar displays. This allowed the displays to be mounted to the cabinet in other ways, such as to a front door of the cabinet.
Gaming machines continue to evolve, both relative to their method of manufacture and their aesthetic appearance. For example, gaming machines are often modular now and may include a base unit with a single main video display. The base unit may be configured to be expanded, such as to include one or more secondary displays, such as positioned at or above the top of the base gaming machine.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,666 discloses a gaming machine (210) having a base housing (212) which supports a main display (22). The gaming machine also includes a secondary display (219). As illustrated in
In this configuration, an entirely separate box or enclosure is provided for the secondary display, where the display is disposed inside of that box and then the box sits on top of the base housing. However, such a configuration has a number of drawbacks and disadvantages. First, the top box is bulky and causes the gaming machine to have a large and bulky appearance, rather than a streamlined and futuristic appearance. Also, the secondary display is supported in the top box and is thus separated from the main display physically. Thus, the secondary display can't provide a relatively contiguous presentation of the information with the main display because the user of the gaming machine has to constantly shift their focus between the two displays because they are so far apart.
An improved gaming machine secondary or topper display mounting configuration is desired.
Embodiments of the invention comprise mounting configurations and methods for a topper display of a gaming machine.
In one embodiment, a gaming machine has a base or main cabinet. At least one first or main display, such as a first or a first and a second display, is supported by the cabinet. The at least one first display may comprise a video display or other display device such as a set of spinning reels. The at least one first display may be mounted to a door of the cabinet.
In accordance with the invention the gaming machine includes a topper display, such as a topper video display. In one embodiment of the invention, a topper display mount is provided for mounting or connecting the topper display to the gaming machine. In one embodiment, the topper display mount extends generally vertically upward from the gaming machine cabinet so as to support the topper display in an elevated position above the cabinet and the other displays. The topper display is configured to mount to the topper display mount so that it is positioned in front of the mount (whereby the topper display mount is then located behind the topper display at a back of the gaming machine wherein it is generally not visible). In one embodiment, this allows the topper display to be positioned in alignment with the front of the gaming machine and adjacent to the other displays, such as the first or second display, thus creating a generally seamless video environment to the player.
In one embodiment, the topper display mount has a lower portion comprising a tower and an upper portion comprising a pair of support arms. A bottom portion of the tower is connected to the gaming machine cabinet. A bottom portion of each arm is connected to a top portion of the tower. The arms extend upwardly to top portions thereof which support the topper display, which may be mounted to the arms via a mounting bracket. In one embodiment, the top portion of the arms extend at a 90-degree angle relative to the bottom portion of the arms, causing the topper display to be positioned outwardly of the mount towards the front of the gaming machine.
In another embodiment, the topper display mount only comprises an upper portion comprising a pair of support arms where the bottom portions of the support arms are directly connected to the gaming machine cabinet.
In one embodiment, the topper display mount defines an internal cable routing path for cables to be run from the topper display to the gaming machine cabinet. In one embodiment, this path comprises a cable routing path through one or both arms, such as where the arms each have a first trough-shaped portion which is covered by a cable cover to define an enclosed cable routing path. The path may also comprise a cable routing path through the tower, such as defined by the space between two side bracket portions thereof which leads to an opening in the top of the gaming machine cabinet. One or more cable routing access apertures may be provided, such as in the cable covers of the arms, to aid the user in routing the cables.
In one embodiment, the connection of the topper display to the mounting bracket which is supported by the arms is covered by a facia or cover. The arms may pass through a pair of openings or cut-outs in the facia. The cut-outs may accept arms of different sizes, where smaller arms include one or more tabs which fill in the space around the arms in the cut-outs.
In one embodiment, a facia or cover may also extend over the tower, thus enclosing or hiding it.
The topper display mount provides a stable, streamlined and aesthetically pleasing mount for a topper display, such as by supporting the topper display without a bulky housing. Also, the topper display mount supports the topper display in alignment with other displays of the gaming machine, preferably directly adjacent to such displays.
Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.
Embodiments of the invention comprise a gaming machine topper display mounting configuration and method.
The principles of the invention may be applied to gaming machines having various configurations. The gaming machine may be located at a casino (and as such may be referred to as a “casino gaming machine”). As described below, the gaming machine may be part of a gaming system, such as a casino gaming system which links two or more of the gaming machines or one or more gaming machines with other devices, such as one or more table games, kiosks, accounting systems or servers, progressive systems or servers, player tracking systems or servers or the like.
One configuration of a gaming machine 22 of the invention is illustrated in
The gaming machine 22 preferably includes at least one display device configured to display game information. The display device may comprise an electronic video display such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), high resolution flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD), projection LCD, plasma display, field emission display, digital micro-mirror display (DMD), digital light processing display (DLP), LCD touchscreen, a light emitting display (LED) or other suitable displays now known or later developed, in a variety of resolutions, sizes and formats (e.g. 4:3, widescreen or the like). The display device may be capable of projecting or displaying a wide variety of information, including images, symbols and other indicia or information associated with game play, game promotion or other events. The gaming machine 22 preferably includes more than one display device, such as two or more video displays which are associated with the cabinet 26. For example, the gaming machine 22 illustrated in
As described in more detail below, the gaming machine 22 is preferably configured to present one or more games upon a player making a monetary payment or wager. In this regard, as described in more detail below, the gaming machine 22 includes a mechanism or means for accepting monetary value.
In one embodiment, certain game outcomes (but preferably not all game outcomes) may be designated as winning outcomes (the non-winning outcomes may be referred to as losing outcomes). Prizes or awards may be provided for winning outcomes, such as monetary payments (or representations thereof, such as prize of credits), or promotional awards as detailed herein. As detailed below, the gaming machine 22 preferably includes a mechanism or means for returning unused monetary funds and/or dispensing winnings to a player.
The gaming machine 22 preferably includes one or more player input devices 30 (such as input buttons, plunger mechanisms, a touch-screen display, joystick, touch-pad or the like). These one or more devices 30 may be utilized by the player to facilitate game play, such as by providing input or instruction to the gaming machine 22. For example, such input devices 30 may be utilized by a player to place a wager, cause the gaming machine 22 to initiate a game, to “cash out” of the gaming machine, or to provide various other inputs. As illustrated, a button deck 40 may extend outwardly from the front of the cabinet 26 towards the player. The button deck 40 may support, for example, one or more of the input devices 30, such as buttons, a touch screen or the like.
In one preferred embodiment, the gaming machine 22 includes at least one microprocessor or controller for controlling the gaming machine, including receiving player input and sending output signals for controlling the various components or peripheral devices of the machine 22 (such as generating game information for display by the displays 28A,28B,28C). The controller may be arranged to receive information regarding funds provided by a player to the gaming machine, receive input such as a purchase/bet signal when a purchase/bet button is depressed, and receive other inputs from a player. The controller may be arranged to generate information regarding a game, such as generating game information for display by the display 28A,28B,28C, for determining winning or losing game outcomes and for displaying information regarding awards for winning game outcomes, among other things.
The controller may be configured to execute machine readable code or “software” or otherwise process information, such as obtained from a remote server. Software or other instructions may be stored at a memory or data storage device, e.g. in a fixed or non-transitory configuration. The memory may also store other information or data, such as data stored in table or other forms (including, but not limited to look-up tables, pay tables and other information, including tracked game play information). The gaming machine 22 may also include one or more random number generators for generating random numbers (such as implemented by a random number generator software module stored in the memory and executable by the processor or controller), such as for use in selecting game information and presenting the game in a random fashion (e.g. whereby the game is presented in a manner in which the player cannot control the outcome) or pseudo-random fashion (e.g. such as where the game includes a skill component which can affect the outcome of the game).
Preferably, the controller is configured to execute machine readable code or instructions (e.g. software) which are configured to implement the game. In this regard, the gaming machine is specially configured to present the game of the invention via specific software and/or hardware which causes the gaming machine to operate uniquely. For example, the controller of the gaming machine 22 may be configured to detect a wager, such as a signal from a player's depressing of the “bet one” button (such as one of the buttons 30). Upon such an event and/or the player otherwise signaling the gaming machine to present the game, the controller may be configured to cause the at least one display 28A,28B,28C to display unique information, such as a unique graphical interface or unique game display, including game symbols or other game information (such as graphically represented images of cards, slot symbols, dice, etc.). It is also noted that in some embodiments, some of the information might be provided to one or more of the displays externally (for example, first and second displays of the gaming machine might display base game and bonus game information provided by the controller, while the third display might display community game information, progressive jackpot information or the like which is provided by an external system such as a jackpot controller). The controller may accept input from a player of game inputs, such as a request to spin reels or the like, via the one or more player input devices of the gaming machine 22. As indicated above, the machine-readable code may be configured in various manners, such as by having various “modules” of software which are designed to implement specific features of the game play or game presentation.
The gaming machine 22 may be configured to generate and present games in a stand-alone manner or it may be in communication with one or more external devices at one or more times. For example, the gaming machine 22 may be configured as a server based device and obtain game code or game outcome information from a remote game server (in which event the gaming machine controller may receive game information from the server, such as game outcome information, and use that server-generated information to present the game at the gaming machine). For example, the gaming machine 22 might be configured as a stand-alone device or as a server-based device for presenting games as Class III games (as defined by the U.S. Indian Gaming Regulatory Act) or as a server-based device for presenting games as Class II games (as defined by the U.S. Indian Gaming Regulatory Act).
As indicated, the gaming machine 22 is configured to present one or more wagering games. The gaming machines 22 is preferably configured to accept value, such as in the form of coins, tokens, paper currency or other elements or devices representing value such as monetary funds. Thus, as indicated above, the gaming machine 22 preferably includes a mechanism or means for accepting monetary value. For example, while not shown in
The gaming machine 22 might also be configured to read FOBs, magnetic stripe cards or other media having data associated therewith and via which value or funds may be associated with the gaming machine 22. The mechanism for accepting monetary value might also comprise hardware and/or software which allows a player to transfer (such as electronically) funds from an account, such as a casino wagering account, or a bank or other financial institution account. Such a mechanism might include a communication interface which permits the gaming machine to communicate with a mobile phone, PDA, tablet or other electronic device of the player (such as via a physical interface or wired or wireless communications links, such as to enable the transfer of funds from the player to the gaming machine or system).
When the player associates funds with the gaming machine or an associated system, a credit balance is generated. The credit balance may comprise a plurality of monetary value credits. The player may wager some or all of the associated monetary value, such as by wagering one or more of the credits associated with the credit balance. For example, the player might provide input to a wager button or touch screen interface to wager a certain number of credits (such as “Bet 1 Credit”, “Bet 5 Credits”, “Bet Maximum Credits” or other options). In one embodiment, when the player's wager is received, the player's credit balance is reduced by the number of wagered credits. The player might then provide a separate input to begin the game. In other embodiment, the player might select a “play game” input, such as by pressing a “spin” button, which input is taken to comprise both an instruction to place a wager (such as of a pre-set or pre-selected number of credits) and to start the game. Of course, other configurations may be implemented for accepting monetary value from the player and for allowing the player to place a wager from the associated monetary value.
In one embodiment, the gaming machine 22 is configured to award winnings for one or more winning wagering game outcomes. Such winnings may be represented as credits, points or the like. In one embodiment, the player may “cash out” and thus remove previously associated funds and any awarded winnings or such may otherwise be paid to the player. These winnings may be associated with the player's credit balance, thus increasing the player's credit balance.
In one embodiment, the player may provide an input to the gaming machine 22 to indicate their desire to cash out, such as by selecting a “cash out” button (such as implemented via one of the buttons 30) or touch screen feature or providing other input. In response, a monetary value represented by the player's credit balance or the like is preferably paid, transferred or otherwise provided to the player. For example, upon an award or at cash-out, associated funds may be paid to the player by the gaming machine 22 dispensing coins to a coin tray. In another embodiment, funds may be issued by dispensing paper currency or other media. In yet another embodiment, a player may be issued a media, such as a printed ticket, which ticket represents the value which was paid or cashed out of the machine. The aspects of gaming machine “ticketing” systems are well known. One such system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,269 to Burns, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. In yet another embodiment, the cash-out might result in the dispensing of a card or other media which stores or represents the cashed-out funds, such as by writing funds information to a magnetic stripe of a card which is inserted into a media writer of the gaming machine or dispensed from the machine. In other embodiments, the cash-out mechanism may result in the funds value being transferred to an external device or account, such as a player's casino account (such as associated with a casino server), a remote bank or other financial account, or an electronic device such as a player's phone, PDA or tablet.
The gaming machine 22 may also include a player tracking device, such as a card reader and associated keypad. Such player tracking devices are well known and may permit the game operator to track play of players of the gaming machine. The tracked play may be utilized to offer player bonuses or awards.
A casino may have numerous such gaming machines 22, such as located on a casino floor or in other locations. Of course, such gaming machines 22 might be used in other environments, such as an airport, a bar or tavern or other locations.
It will be appreciated that the gaming machine illustrated in
As noted, the gaming machine 22 may, as noted above, be part of a system which includes other devices. For example, the gaming machine 22 may communicate with one or more casino systems, such as a player tracking server or system, an accounting system or server, a ticketing system, a bonusing system, a tournament system, other gaming machines, and external devices.
As noted above, in one embodiment the gaming machine 22 includes a first or main display 28A, a secondary display 28B, and a third or topper display 29C. In one embodiment of the invention, a topper display mount 200 is provided for mounting or connecting the topper display 28C to the gaming machine 22. In one embodiment, the topper display mount 200 extends generally vertically upward from the gaming machine cabinet 26 so as to support the topper display 29C in an elevated position, preferably above the other displays. As detailed below, in one embodiment, the topper display 29C is configured to mount to a front of the topper display mount 200 so that it is positioned in front of the mount (whereby the topper display mount 200 is then located behind the topper display 29C at the back of the gaming machine 22 wherein it is generally not visible). This allows, for example, the topper display 29C to be positioned in alignment with the front of the gaming machine and adjacent to the other displays, such as the second display 28B, thus creating a generally seamless video environment to the player (as best illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Still referring to
Addition details of the bottom portion 202 of the topper display mount 200 are illustrated in
As best illustrated in
As illustrated in
In one embodiment, at least one of the arms 212,214, and preferably both arms, define a cable channel. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable channel is defined through at least a portion of each arm 212,214, such as from adjacent to the mounting plate 240 to the lower portion thereof. In one embodiment, this portion of the arms 212,214 comprises a main trough-shaped outer section (such as generally “C” or “U”-shaped in cross-section) and removable cover 244 which is located at an inside of each arm and which covers the trough in the other portion, thereby defining a relatively closed pathway through the arms. This permits one or more cables C (e.g. power, HDMI, DVI, etc.) to be run from the topper display 29C into a channel opening 248 near the top of the arm, through the covered cable channel defined by the arm, and out a bottom opening 250. From there, the one or more cables C can be routed into the cable channel 224 of the tower 206, as described above and illustrated in more detail in
It will be appreciated that one or both arms 212,214 may define such a cable channel and that cables may be routed through one or both of such channels. Preferably, the arm(s) 212,214 define a cable channel from a point adjacent to the topper display 28C, such as at least inside an associated rear cover or facia 252 (as described in more detail below and illustrated in
In one embodiment, at least one opening or aperture 256, and preferably a single aperture, may be defined in each arm 212,214 to provide cable routing access. For example, a single opening 256 may be provided in the cable routing cover 244 which is attached to the inside of each arm 212,214. The opening 256 may be defined between the top and bottom portions of the arm 212,214. The opening 256 may be used by a user to assist them in routing the one or more cables C through the arm(s) 212,214.
As just indicated, as illustrated in
The facia or cover 252 is preferably then placed over the mounting plate 240 to cover it, as illustrated in both
In general, this embodiment topper display mount 300 includes first and second arms 312,314 which support at their tops ends a topper display mounting plate 340. Once again one, and preferably both arms 312,314, define a cable channel therethrough, such as via a main portion of each arm along with a cable cover 344. The cable cover 344 may again define a cable access opening 356. In this embodiment, as illustrated in
A key difference with this embodiment is that the arms 312,314 mount to the top of the gaming machine cabinet 26 or another generally planar mounting surface, rather than a tower or the like as in the prior embodiment. As such, the lower or bottom portion of each arm 312,314 does not include a strut which is designed to slip into a slot. Instead, the bottom of each arm 312,314 may be configured as a foot 320, such as defining one or more flanges through which one or more fasteners may be passed to directly mount the arm 312,314 to the cabinet 26.
In this embodiment, the arms 312,314 are larger in dimension than the ones illustrated in
As illustrated in
It will be appreciated that the above-described features may be applied to gaming machines having various configurations. For example, although not illustrated in the figures, in one embodiment, instead of having the topper display 28C be mounted to the top of a gaming machine main cabinet 26 via the topper display mount 300 just described, the topper display 28C could be mounted on a cabinet or stand which is located directly behind the gaming machine main cabinet 26 and which thus allows the topper display 28C to be positioned adjacent to the display(s) which are supported by the main cabinet. It is also possible for a topper display mount of the invention to be connected to or associated with a top box to which a secondary display is already mounted, such as above the main gaming machine cabinet.
Of course, the length of the arms (212,214 and 312,314) and the height of the tower of the topper display mounts of the invention may have various sized and shaped, including lengths. Preferably, the dimensions of the arms (and tower, in embodiments including such) are selected based upon the configuration of the gaming machine so as to cause the topper display 28C to be correctly positioned. In a preferred embodiment, this position is one where the topper display 28C is in the same plane as one or more of the other displays (such as the display to which is it most adjacent), and is preferably positioned directly adjacent to or against one of the other displays, so as to create a generally seamless video presentation.
In the example illustrated in
It will be appreciated that features of the invention may be altered or modified without deviating from the scope of the invention. For example, while certain fasteners have been described for use in connecting various components of the invention, other types of connectors might be used and in some cases, components might be formed or combined into a single element. Also, the materials from which components of the invention are constructed may vary. For example, the supports and arms may be constructed from metal or the like to provide high strength. However, the cover panels and the like might be constructed from plastic or the like. Of course, the various components might be painted, colored or the like, for aesthetic appeal.
In one embodiment, fasteners or other connectors and their locations, may be chosen to facilitate the utility of the topper mount. For example, the location of the cable cover fasteners or the type of those fasteners, is preferably chosen to reduce interference with the routing of cabling through the cable channels.
Various features and advantages or the invention will now be described. One aspect of the invention is a display or monitor mount for a gaming machine. Preferably, the mount is a topper display mount—e.g. a mount for supporting a video (or other) display at the top of the gaming machine, such as above the main cabinet and/or one or more secondary displays which are positioned at the top of the cabinet.
As one aspect of the invention, the bulky box topper configuration of the prior art is eliminated. The topper display is no longer mounted in or to such a box or housing, but is instead supported by a thin rear support structure, where the topper display is essentially cantilevered from the front of that structure.
In one embodiment, the topper display mount may include base and upper portions which allow the topper display to be positioned in a high vertical position without compromising the strength of the mounting. In another embedment, the topper display mount may extend directly from a cabinet or other base structure.
In all embodiments, the topper display mount is relatively thin and streamlined. As one aspect of the invention, the topper display mount defines a cable routing channel or path therethrough from the topper display to the associated cabinet or other base structure, thus hiding the cable(s) from view and keeping them protected from damage.
Another aspect of the invention is the ability to use a single video display topper mount cover with mounts having arms of different sizes, where the cover and the arms cooperate to define an enclosure which covers the topper display mounting plate and associated hardware from view, creating an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
This mounting configuration maintains the topper display in position and prevents movement during assembly, shipment, installation and movement of the gaming machine, while still maintaining ease of serviceability and re-installation.
The topper mount also allows the topper display to be positioned in alignment with other displays of the gaming machine, such as in the same vertical plane. Most preferably, the topper mount is positioned in the same vertical plane as the display to which it is adjacent (or is mounted at a desirable cooperating angle thereto, such as tilting slightly inward or downward towards the player). Also, the topper mount allows the topper display to be mounted to that it is directly adjacent to another display. Preferably, a bottom portion of the topper display is mounted adjacent to a top portion of the adjacent display. In embodiment, the topper display and the adjacent display may touch or abut, or be separately only by one or more bezels, trims, light rings or the like, or a very small gap (such as less than 0.5 inches and more preferably less than 0.25 inches). In this manner, the topper mount essentially forms a seamless video display with the adjacent display, making it easy for the player to view content displayed by those displays at the same time without having to shift focus.
It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the method there from are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6315666 | Mastera et al. | Nov 2001 | B1 |
| 20070287528 | Hirato | Dec 2007 | A1 |
| 20090253499 | Nagano | Oct 2009 | A1 |
| Entry |
|---|
| Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited, Helix Brochure, Copyright 2016, 6 pages. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20190096170 A1 | Mar 2019 | US |
