Patent Application
20100120534
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to input devices for gaming machines and, more particularly, a touch button for a gaming machine.
2. Related Art
Various ways of accepting user or player input for electronic devices, such as gaming machines, have been devised. One common input device is a mechanical push-button. The push-button generally has a plunger which may be depressed to activate an electrical switch. These push-buttons have various drawbacks. For example, after a long period of use the moving parts of a push-button may become worn. The moving parts may also accumulate dirt or debris after a long period of use. In addition, the push-buttons generally are configured for a particular use, as they are printed with a button label which can't easily be reconfigured.
Push-buttons also extend outward from a gaming machine or other device and thus create a protrusion there from. This may not be aesthetically pleasing in certain gaming machines or devices. In addition, this causes the push-buttons and their surrounding surfaces to be difficult to clean. In an environment where food and drinks are served, such as in a gaming establishment, this creates additional work for maintenance personnel.
Various alternative inputs devices have been utilized with gaming machines. For example, instead of mechanical push-buttons, gaming machines may include touch-sensitive displays. However, this requires that gaming information which is normally displayed by the machine be displaced at least partially by graphical buttons or other icons. This reduces the size of the displayed gaming information. Further, the combination of gaming information and graphical user interface information can confuse a player.
Thus, an improved input device configuration for a gaming machine is desired.
The invention is a touch button assembly for a gaming machine. In general, the touch button assembly has one or more touch buttons which may be activated by player proximity to the touch button and/or engagement of the button. The touch button assembly may be used to collect player input at a gaming machine through its touch buttons.
In one embodiment, the touch button assembly comprises a support configured to attach to a housing or other portion of a gaming machine, a plurality of touch buttons supported by the support, and a cover which covers the touch buttons. Each touch button may comprise a sensor configured to generate an output indicating the proximity of a player to the sensor, an overlying portion of the cover, and one or more feedback devices configured to provide feedback indicating the state of one or more of the plurality of touch buttons. The sensors may be capacitive sensors.
The portion of the cover extends over and protects the one or more sensors. Preferably, the cover includes graphics or other indicia which identify the location of the particular sensors and which identify the function of the sensor.
The touch button assembly may further comprise at least one processor configured to receive sensor output, control the one or more feedback devices to indicate the state of the touch button(s), and communicate the state of the touch button(s) to the gaming machine, whereby the processor determines the state of one or more of the plurality of touch buttons based on the sensor information. For example, based upon a sensor output, the processor may send a signal to a processor of the gaming machine indicating that a player activated one of the sensors.
The one or more feedback devices may be light emitting devices such as LEDs or light bulbs. In addition, the one or more feedback devices may be configured to emit a first color of light to indicate the engaged state of one or more of the touch buttons and to emit a second color of light to indicate the non-engaged state of one or more of the touch buttons. The cover, or a portion thereof, may be configured to allow light to pass there through. In this manner, the player can see the light provided by a feedback device.
The touch button assembly can define as few as one or a plurality of touch buttons. The assembly can be mounted to a gaming machine and be communicatively coupled thereto to provide an output indicative of player input to the gaming machine. The touch button assembly has numerous advantages, including that it requires no moving parts, may have a generally planar environment-resistant cover which is easy to clean and maintain, and presents a user-friendly interface to a player.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
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.
In general, the invention comprises one or more touch buttons which are touch sensitive. This sensitivity allows the touch buttons to collect or receive user input without requiring moving contacts, switches, or other moving parts such as those found in push-type buttons or other traditional mechanical buttons. It is specifically contemplated that the invention may be used with gaming machines; however, it will be understood from the disclosure herein that the invention may be used with other machines or devices. It is noted that, in one or more embodiments, the aspects of the invention which allow touch sensitivity also provide proximity sensitivity. Thus, the invention may also be proximity sensitive in one or more embodiments.
In a preferred embodiment, the invention is used with a gaming machine.
In one embodiment, the gaming machine 104 is configured as a “video” type gaming machine, the machine including at least one display 108 for displaying game information to a player. As described below, this game information may include playing card and non-playing card symbols or indicia.
The gaming machine 104 may include other means for providing information to a player. For example, speakers (not shown) or other devices may be provided for generating sound associated with the game. The gaming machine 104 may also include lights, printed instructions and other displays/display devices.
In a preferred embodiment, a player must make payment or wager in order to be entitled to play the game. Preferably, the game is presented as a wagering type game, and a player must place a bet or wager in order to play the game for the opportunity to receive winnings. Preferably, if the player is a winner of the game, the player is provided an award, such as a monetary payout (such as coins), credits representing monetary value, points or tangible prizes. As illustrated, the gaming machine 104 may include a bill validator/acceptor 116 for accepting paper currency and a coin acceptor 120 for accepting coins. Other means of payment, such as a credit card reader, may be provided. An award of winnings in the form of coins may be paid to the player via a coin tray 140.
Preferably, the gaming machine 104 includes means for a player to provide input. In traditional gaming machines, this means comprises one or more push buttons. For example, the push buttons 124 may comprise a plurality of reel “spin” or “select” push buttons to permit a player to hold/select cards in a hand. In addition, as shown, the push buttons 124 may comprise a “bet one” push button or “bet max” push button for a player to select the amount to bet on a particular game.
According to the invention herein, one or more touch buttons 144 may also or alternatively be provided to allow a player to provide input to the gaming machine 104. As illustrated, the touch buttons 144 are part of a touch button assembly 116 which may be embedded, formed integral with, or otherwise attached to the housing 112 of the gaming machine 104. As will be described further below, the touch buttons 144 allow a player to provide input by touching rather than pushing or pressing (e.g. actuating) the button.
A game controller (not shown) is provided for controlling the various devices of the gaming machine and for providing game information. For example, the game controller may be arranged to generate video and audio data for presentation by the display and speakers of the gaming machine 104. The game controller may be arranged to detect a signal from the coin acceptor indicating the receipt of coins or from the bill validator regarding accepted bills and for registering credits corresponding to those inputs, for subtracting credits for wagers placed by a player, and for causing a coin delivery mechanism to deliver coins from a coin hopper to the coin tray 140 for payment of winnings and/or return to a player of unwagered credits. Preferably, the one or more player input devices provide an output to the gaming controller for use in play of the game. For example, in response to a “bet one” input by a player, the gaming controller is preferably transmitted a signal which causes the gaming controller to initiate presentation of the game.
It will be appreciated that the gaming machine 104 may have a variety of configurations, and that the gaming machine 104 illustrated and described above is but an example of a device which may be used with the invention. For example, in one or more embodiments, the gaming machine 104 may be associated with a network and receive game information remotely and may transmit information, such as payout and game play information, to a remote location. For example, a remote master controller may generate game information which is transmitted over a communication link to the gaming machine 104. That information may be utilized by a local controller or processor to present the game, such as by displaying game play data or information.
As indicated, in one embodiment, game information is displayed by a video display 108 to a player. That display may be of a variety of types, including CRT, LCD, plasma and others. The gaming machine 104 may also include more than one video display. In another embodiment, game information which is presented to a player comprises simulated reels displaying game symbols. As indicated, these symbols may be displayed in graphical representation by the display.
In yet another embodiment, the gaming machine 104 may include one or more physical reels capable of displaying symbols. In such a configuration, means are provided for rotating the physical reels. In one or more embodiments, the means may comprise a mechanical linkage associated with a spin arm, with movement of the spin arm (a “pull”) by a player causing the reels to spin. In such an arrangement, the reels are generally allowed to free-wheel and then stop. In another embodiment, electronically controlled mechanisms are arranged to rotate and stop each reel. Such mechanisms are well known to those of skill in the art. In this arrangement, actuation of the spin arm or depression a spin button causes a controller (not shown) to signal the activation of the spin mechanism associated with one or more of the reels. Preferably, the controller is arranged to either turn off the signal to the device(s) effecting the rotation of each or all of the reels or generates a signal for activating a braking device, whereby the reels are stopped. As is well known, the combinations of reel positions and their odds of hitting are associated with the controller, and the controller is arranged to stop the reels in a position displaying a combination of indicia as determined by the controller based on the combinations and odds. The principal of such an arrangement is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419 to Telnaes, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The gaming machine 104 may have other configurations, including other features. For example, the gaming machine 104 may include a player tracking device 136, 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.
In one embodiment, the gaming machine 104 may be configured to dispense media, such as printed paper tickets, which have associated value. For example, winnings or unused credits may be returned to the player through a printed ticket having value or associated value. In one embodiment, the gaming machine 104 might also be configured to accept such media for providing credit for game play. Such systems are well known and thus are not described in detail herein.
As stated, the invention allows a player of the gaming machine 104 to provide input to a gaming machine. Such player input may be used to play a game as described above, or to utilize or interact with other features provided by a gaming machine 104. In one or more embodiments, the invention comprises touch buttons 144 which utilize touch or proximity sensitivity to collect or receive player input.
In general, a touch button 144 comprises a player engageable area detects player proximity to receive input. In various embodiments, a touch button 144 may be engaged by physical contact, or by the player approaching the touch button within a certain proximity, without physically contacting the touch button. As described below, the touch button 144 may also provide player feedback through one or more feedback devices. For example, one or more lights may be activated to indicate that the touch button 144 has been engaged or is activated. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of touch buttons 144 may be provided as part of a touch button assembly 116.
Touch buttons 144 may be associated with various features or functions of a gaming machine 104. In this manner, each touch button 144 may be used to provide an input, control, or otherwise interact with an associated function or feature of a gaming machine 104. For example, in
To illustrate, the five horizontal touch buttons 144 may be “spin” or “select” buttons used to spin reels or select playing cards, respectively. The pair of vertical touch buttons 144 may be “bet one” and “bet max” buttons to allow a player to place various sized wagers.
As illustrated in
It is contemplated that touch buttons 144 may be supported by push buttons 124 in one or more embodiments. For example, a push button 124 may have one or more touch buttons 144 on its top surface. In this manner, the push button 124 may be engaged by depressing the push button or by touching or coming within a certain proximity of the touch button(s) 144 on the push button's top surface.
This may be used to reduce player fatigue and increase playability of a game. For instance, in one embodiment, rather than repeatedly depressing a push button 124, a player may simply hold their finger (or other body part) on or near a push button's touch button 144. To illustrate, in a game without an autoplay feature, a player would ordinarily have to repeatedly depress a start button. With a touch button 144 mounted on the start button however, a player may simply hold his or her finger in contact or in proximity to the start button rather than having to depress the start button again and again.
Though
In a preferred embodiment, the one or more touch buttons 144 are part of a touch button assembly 116.
As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of
The sensors 304 are preferably configured to generate information indicating or detecting the proximity (i.e. distance or physical presence) of a player or the touching of the touch button. Such information is preferably in the form of one or more output signals. The sensor information may then be used to determine when and which touch button has been engaged. For example, it may be determined that a touch button has been engaged when sensor information indicates the player's proximity is such that the player must be in contact with at least a portion of the touch button, such as the touch button's player engageable area, which is described further below.
Each sensor 304 may have one or more detection zones. As referred to herein, a detection zone is generally the area in which a sensor 304 can detect the proximity or touches of a player. For example, a detection zone may be a volume of space around a sensor 304 where the sensor can detect the presence of a player's finger or other body part. The sensor information or output may be communicated electrically. It is noted that some sensors 304 may be capable of communicating optically or wirelessly as well or may include hardware or devices allowing the sensors to communicate optically or wirelessly.
In the embodiment shown in
As indicated, a touch button 144 may be activated when the player's finger or other body part is within a particular distance from a sensor 304. In this manner, a player may engage a touch button 144 without physically touching the button hardware 208 or its sensors 304. This allows the button hardware 208 and its sensors 304 to be located behind a covering such as the cover 204 shown in
It is contemplated that other types of sensors may be used to detect a player's input and provide a corresponding output. For example, in some embodiments, inductive sensors, acoustic sensors, or pressure sensors may be used. Generally, each sensor will be configured to provide touch or proximity sensitivity to an individual touch button, as described above. However, it is contemplated that a single sensor, including the capacitive sensor described above, may detect a player's proximity to various locations of a touch button assembly. For example, a sensor may be configured to detect the different capacitance, inductance, or acoustic levels which are created depending on the player's proximity to various locations of a touch button assembly. In this way, a single sensor may provide touch or proximity sensitivity for a plurality of touch buttons.
As stated, in one or more embodiments, the button hardware 208 may comprise an associated processor. The processor 316 may be an electrical circuit, microprocessor, or the like (configured as hardware and/or hardware configured to execute machine readable code or software) which is configured to convert the sensor information or output into an output usable by the gaming machine 104. As shown in
As illustrated in
In a preferred embodiment, the sensor output or information from the one or more sensors 304 is interpreted by the processor 316 before being communicated to a gaming machine 104. For example, as stated, sensor information may comprise the information proximity of a player to a sensor. In this case, the processor 316 may be configured to analyze the sensor information to determine whether or not a touch button has been engaged based on the player's proximity to a sensor 304 prior to communicating with a gaming machine 104. In other embodiments, the sensor output might comprise a simple electrical signal, which signal reflects that the touch button is either activated or not activated. If the signal indicates that the sensor is activated, then the processor 316 may send appropriately configured information to the gaming machine.
The communication provided by the processor 316 allows touch buttons to be used with a variety of gaming machines 104. To illustrate, the processor 316 may translate sensor information into signals like that of traditional push buttons or other input devices. In this manner, touch buttons may be used instead of traditional push buttons or input devices without requiring modification to a gaming machine 104. For example, the processor 316 may be configured to complete a circuit or output a certain voltage when the processor determines a touch button has been engaged. In this manner, the gaming machine 104 receives a signal like that of a traditional button or contact switch.
In addition to information indicating whether or not a sensor is engaged, the processor 316 may be configured to communicate other information to a gaming machine 104. For example, the processor 316 may communicate information indicating which sensor 304 is being activated. In this manner, input to different sensors/button can result in different actions by the gaming machine 104.
The processor 316 may also be configured to communicate how long a touch button has been engaged. For example, the processor 316 may send information indicating that a touch button is being engaged for as long as the sensor information indicates that a player is engaging the button. Alternatively, the processor 316 may communicate that a touch button has been engaged when the touch button has been engaged and communicate that the touch button has been disengaged when the touch button is disengaged. This allows a gaming machine 104 to provide respond to a player's “holding down” a touch button, and may be used to allow a gaming machine to accept input analogous to double clicking a mouse (e.g. double tapping a touch button). In one embodiment, the processor 316 may communicate the player's distance from a sensor 304 to allow a gaming machine 104 to respond to the player's proximity as well as the player's touch.
It is contemplated that the processor 316 may repeatedly send signals indicating a touch button has been engaged for as long as the player is in contact with or within a particular distance from a touch button. In this manner, to a gaming machine, it appears that the player is repeatedly engaging the touch button. This is advantageous where the player would ordinarily have to physically engage the touch button repeatedly such as when scrolling through one or more options of a game.
As indicated, it is contemplated that sensor information may be sent directly from one or more sensors 304 to the gaming machine 104 in some embodiments. Thus, a processor 316 may not be provided directly as part of the touch button, as illustrated in
Referring to
Similarly, feedback confirming that a touch button is activated may be provided when a touch button is activated. Such feedback may be stopped or replaced with other feedback confirming the touch button is no longer activated when the touch button is not activated. Activation of a touch button generally means that the touch button's associated function has been activated or turned on. For example, a “hold” button on a gaming machine has the function of holding a card for the next deal. Unique feedback may be provided to a player to indicate that a touch button is activated rather than engaged.
As shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the feedback device 312 comprises a light emitter such as an LED, a light bulb, or the like. Each light emitter feedback device 312 may emit one or more colors which represent various touch button states. For example, one color may be emitted for button engagement while another color is emitted when the button is not engaged. In addition, other colors may be emitted for activation or non-activation button states. It is contemplated that a light emitter feedback device 312 may be turned off to indicate some button states. For example the light emitter feedback device 312 may be turned off when a touch button is not engaged or not activated. Additionally, light emitter feedback devices 312 may blink or flash or emit light in different colors to indicate touch button states or to get a player's or other person's attention.
In one embodiment, the processor 316 may control the feedback devices 312 based on sensor information from the sensors 304. Referring to
It is noted that the feedback devices 312 may alternatively be connected to and controlled by a gaming machine 104. This is illustrated in
In one or more embodiments, the touch button 144 of the invention, and thus the touch button assembly 116, further comprises a cover 204. An exemplary cover 204 is illustrated in
The cover 204 is beneficial in that it protects the elements of the touch button assembly 116 and, in one or more embodiments, helps to prevent unauthorized access to the assembly's or a gaming machine's internal elements. In addition, in one or more embodiments, the cover 204 provides a substantially planar surface which is easy to clean and maintain.
The cover 204 may have various configurations and comprise various materials. For example, the cover 204 may be a generally planar, contiguous sheet of plastic, glass, fabric, or other material. The cover 204 may be relatively rigid in configurations where the sensors detect the proximity of the user, or flexible in cases where the sensors detect touch input. Preferably, at least the exterior surface of the cover 204 is generally smooth, making the cover appealing in appearance and touch. The cover 204 may be relatively thin in order to ensure that the one or more sensors located behind the cover 204 can detect the proximity of a user.
Preferably, graphics or indicia are associated with the cover 204 to provide information regarding the location of the one or more touch buttons and/or the function of the buttons. As shown in
The graphics, printing, labeling or the like may be applied or associated with the cover 204 in various ways. In one embodiment, the cover 204 comprises a front side 228 and a back side 232 with the front side configured to face a player, and the back side facing the circuit board 209 and other elements of the touch button assembly 116. Graphics representing a touch button may be applied or associated to the cover 204 on its front side 228, back side 232, or both. The cover 204, or a portion thereof, may be transparent or translucent to allow graphics at the back side 232 to be visible. It is beneficial to have graphics located at the back side 232 because they are protected from wear by the cover 204. In one embodiment, graphics are applied to a cover 204 by printing the graphics on the cover. In another embodiment, graphics are associated with a cover 204 by providing a template. The template may be a substrate upon which the graphics are printed or otherwise applied. The template may then be secured at the back side 232 of the cover 204. The template may also be secured to the front side 228 of the cover if desired. It is noted that a template may be combined with graphics associated on the cover 204. For example, the border of a touch button may be associated with the cover 204 while the button labels are printed on a template. Graphics may also be integral with the cover 204. For example, the graphics may be one or more transparent or translucent text labels, symbols, or the like that are integral with the cover 204. These graphics provide the benefit of allowing light to pass there through. Thus, the graphics may be backlit and feedback from light emitting feedback devices may be perceived by a player. It is noted that instead of printing, it is possible for the location of the buttons and their function to be provided by lighting, such as small LCDs, back lighting of transparent areas of the cover 204 (as compared to opaque areas), or the like.
The cover 204 and the button hardware 208 may be attached to a support 212 in one or more embodiments. In general, the support 212 provides a structure to which other elements of the touch button assembly 116, such as the button hardware 208 and the cover 204, may be attached. These elements may be attached to the support 212 by one or more fasteners, adhesives, welds, or the like. In addition, the elements may be configured to attach to the support by a friction fit, or a snap-in fit. It will be understood that other ways of attaching elements to the support 212 may be used as well. In other embodiments, the cover 204 may be directly connected to the gaming machine and simply extend over the button hardware 208.
In some embodiments, the support 212 or a portion thereof may be configured to accept the button hardware 208. For example, the support 212 may include an aperture 224 or inset where the button hardware 208 can be placed and secured. The support 212 may be configured to attach to the housing of a gaming machine in one or more embodiments. For example, as shown in
The support 212 may provide a substantial portion of the structure of a gaming machine's housing as well. As can be seen from
In one or more embodiments, the support 212 is comprised of a rigid material such as metal. It will be understood that plastic, glass, or other suitable materials may be used as well. The support 212 may be planar in shape in one or more embodiments, or may be shaped in other ways so as to conform to the housing of a gaming machine, to allow elements of the touch button assembly 116 to be positioned at a desired location, to provide an aesthetically pleasing shape, or a combination thereof. For example, the support 212 of
As shown in
The support 212 and thus the touch button assembly 116 may be positioned at various locations of a gaming machine. As illustrated in
In accordance with the invention, a touch button preferably comprises a touch or proximity sensitive sensor, and preferably at least a portion of a cover. Preferably, the touch button is part of a touch button assembly 116 which further comprises a support 212 and at least one processor. In other embodiments, however, the touch button assembly 116 may have a plurality of touch buttons 144. In such a configuration, the assembly 116 includes multiple sensors and may include a single cover having areas corresponding to the various sensors, or even multiple covers.
As stated, the cover 204 may also have graphics which identify the location of the touch buttons 144.
In a preferred embodiment, the touch button assembly 116 includes a plurality of touch buttons 144. In this manner, a single cover 204 may be used for multiple touch buttons 144. This protects the touch buttons 144 from dirt and debris because there are not cracks or crevices around the touch buttons which would allow dirt or debris in. In addition, this provides a sleek modern appearance which is also easy to clean in that the surface of the cover 204 may be substantially smooth.
As shown by the exemplary embodiment of
While the touch button assembly 116 preferably includes a support 212, it is possible for the button hardware 208 to be mounted directly to a portion of the gaming machine, such as a housing thereof. In the preferred configuration in which the assembly 116 includes a support 212 and cover 204, the assembly 116 can comprise a single unit that can be shipped, connected and disconnected from a gaming machine, without individually connecting the various components thereof.
The invention has numerous advantages. First, a user-friendly player input device is provided. This input device permits a user to provide input by touching a particular element or area and/or coming into proximity to the element or area. Thus, a user does not need to use substantial physical effort to push a mechanical button, but can instead lightly touch an area of the touch button of the invention, or even only place a finger or the like near the button. This reduces the effort needed to provide input.
The touch button of the invention also has the advantage of being configurable to accept multiple inputs. In the prior art, a different mechanical push-button is required for each particular input. In accordance with the invention, an assembly may include multiple sensors defining a plurality of touch buttons. Thus, a single assembly or panel may define multiple touch buttons. Thus, by connecting a single assembly to a gaming machine, the machine may be configured to receive a multiplicity of different inputs.
As indicated, yet another advantage of the invention is that the touch button has no moving parts. Thus, the touch button has longevity and does not need to be serviced or replaced during the lifetime of the gaming machine. This reduces maintenance costs associated with gaming machines. In addition, the “closed” nature of the push-button in which a protective cover extends over the button hardware protects the touch button from damage, debris and the like. This is contrary to mechanical push-buttons where dirt, liquids and the like may enter the space between the body of the button and the depressible button.
The touch button of the invention is also desirable in appearance. In particular, as indicated, a cover may define a smooth and contiguous surface which is futuristic or modern in appearance.
While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, and embodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in any combination or arrangement.
