Patent Publication Number: US-8115115-B2

Title: Methodology of co-interference reduction through cable separation and shielding within a gaming machine

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a U.S. national stage of International Application No. PCT/US2007/022855, filed Oct. 29, 2007, which is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/857,754, filed Nov. 8, 2006, which is incorporated herein its entirety. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to gaming machines, and methods for manufacturing gaming machines. More specifically, the present invention relates to gaming machines having certain wires separated from others and methods for manufacturing such gaming machines. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines with players is dependent on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where the available gaming options include a number of competing machines and the expectation of winning at each machine is roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting machines. Shrewd operators consequently strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting machines, features, and enhancements available because such machines attract frequent play and hence increase profitability to the operator. Therefore, there is a continuing need for gaming machine manufacturers to continuously develop new games and improved gaming enhancements that will attract frequent play through enhanced entertainment value to the player. 
     One concept that has been successfully employed to enhance the entertainment value of a game is the concept of a “secondary” or “bonus” game that may be played in conjunction with a “basic” game. The bonus game may comprise any type of game, either similar to or completely different from the basic game, which is entered upon the occurrence of a selected event or outcome in the basic game. Generally, bonus games provide a greater expectation of winning than the basic game and may also be accompanied with more attractive or unusual video displays and/or audio. Bonus games may additionally award players with “progressive jackpot” awards that are funded, at least in part, by a percentage of coin-in from the gaming machine or a plurality of participating gaming machines. Because the bonus game concept offers tremendous advantages in player appeal and excitement relative to other known games, and because such games are attractive to both players and operators, there is a continuing need to develop gaming machines with new types of bonus games to satisfy the demands of players and operators. 
     Gaming machines typically include a gaming cabinet, which generally surrounds the interior of the gaming machine and is viewable by the players. A plurality of wires are typically included in the interior of the gaming machine, which helps distribute power, signal communications, and operational control of the gaming machine. The plurality of wires include AC wires and DC wires (e.g., signal wires, input/output wires, etc.). Some current gaming machines have AC wires that are disposed generally in the same area within the interior of the gaming cabinet as the DC wires. Some problems associated with this type of wire arrangement is that it can cause electromagnetic interference, electrostatic discharge, and other undesirable effects, such as potential shock hazards caused by wire shorts. 
     It would be desirable to provide an improved wiring system that assists in addressing one or more of the above disadvantages. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine for conducting a wagering game comprises a gaming cabinet having a first member and a second member. The first member is located physically separate from the second member. The gaming machine further comprises a plurality of high-voltage wires generally located within the first member. The gaming machine additionally includes a plurality of low-voltage wires generally located within the second member. The first member and the second member shielding the respective plurality of high-voltage wires and low-voltage wires to reduce electrical interference between the plurality of high-voltage wires and the plurality of low-voltage wires. 
     A method for manufacturing a gaming machine comprises providing a gaming cabinet having a first member and a second member. The first member being located physically separate from the second member. The method further comprises providing a plurality of high-voltage wires generally located within the first member and providing a plurality of low-voltage wires generally located within the second member. The first member and the second member shielding the respective plurality of high-voltage wires and low-voltage wires to reduce electrical interference between the plurality of high-voltage wires and the plurality of low-voltage wires. 
     A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game comprises a gaming cabinet. The gaming machine additionally includes a high-voltage channel and a low-voltage channel located within the gaming cabinet. The high-voltage channel is adapted to contain a plurality of high-voltage wires. The low-voltage channel is adapted to contain a plurality of low-voltage wires. 
     Additional aspects of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of various embodiments, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1   a  is a perspective view of a free standing gaming machine embodying the present invention. 
         FIG. 1   b  is a perspective view of a handheld gaming machine embodying the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a control system suitable for operating the gaming machines of  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b.    
         FIG. 3  is a perspective right-side view of a gaming cabinet showing a main door in an open position, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4   a  is a front view of the gaming cabinet of  FIG. 3  with the main door removed. 
         FIG. 4   b  is a top view showing interior components of the gaming cabinet of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 4   c  is an enlarged view of structural members illustrated in  FIG. 4   b.    
         FIG. 5  is a perspective left-side view of the gaming cabinet of  FIG. 3  showing the main door removed. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective right-side view of a gaming cabinet, according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7   a  is a front view the gaming cabinet of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 7   b  is a top view showing interior components of the gaming cabinet of  FIG. 6 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1   a , a gaming machine  10  is used in gaming establishments such as casinos. With regard to the present invention, the gaming machine  10  may be any type of gaming machine and may have varying structures and methods of operation. For example, the gaming machine  10  may be an electromechanical gaming machine configured to play mechanical slots, or it may be an electronic gaming machine configured to play a video casino game, such as blackjack, slots, keno, poker, blackjack, roulette, etc. 
     The gaming machine  10  comprises a housing  12  and includes input devices, including a value input device  18  and a player input device  24 . For output the gaming machine  10  includes a primary display  14  for displaying information about the basic wagering game. The primary display  14  can also display information about a bonus wagering game and a progressive wagering game. The gaming machine  10  may also include a secondary display  16  for displaying game events, game outcomes, and/or signage information. While these typical components found in the gaming machine  10  are described below, it should be understood that numerous other elements may exist and may be used in any number of combinations to create various forms of a gaming machine  10 . 
     The value input device  18  may be provided in many forms, individually or in combination, and is preferably located on the front of the housing  12 . The value input device  18  receives currency and/or credits that are inserted by a player. The value input device  18  may include a coin acceptor  20  for receiving coin currency (see  FIG. 1   a ). Alternatively, or in addition, the value input device  18  may include a bill acceptor  22  for receiving paper currency. Furthermore, the value input device  18  may include a ticket reader, or barcode scanner, for reading information stored on a credit ticket, a card, or other tangible portable credit storage device. The credit ticket or card may also authorize access to a central account, which can transfer money to the gaming machine  10 . 
     The player input device  24  comprises a plurality of push buttons  26  on a button panel for operating the gaming machine  10 . In addition, or alternatively, the player input device  24  may comprise a touch screen  28  mounted by adhesive, tape, or the like over the primary display  14  and/or secondary display  16 . The touch screen  28  contains soft touch keys  30  denoted by graphics on the underlying primary display  14  and used to operate the gaming machine  10 . The touch screen  28  provides players with an alternative method of input. A player enables a desired function either by touching the touch screen  28  at an appropriate touch key  30  or by pressing an appropriate push button  26  on the button panel. The touch keys  30  may be used to implement the same functions as push buttons  26 . Alternatively, the push buttons  26  may provide inputs for one aspect of the operating the game, while the touch keys  30  may allow for input needed for another aspect of the game. 
     The various components of the gaming machine  10  may be connected directly to, or contained within, the housing  12 , as seen in  FIG. 1   a , or may be located outboard of the housing  12  and connected to the housing  12  via a variety of different wired or wireless connection methods. Thus, the gaming machine  10  comprises these components whether housed in the housing  12 , or outboard of the housing  12  and connected remotely. 
     The operation of the basic wagering game is displayed to the player on the primary display  14 . The primary display  14  can also display the bonus game associated with the basic wagering game. The primary display  14  may take the form of a cathode ray tube (CRT), a high resolution LCD, a plasma display, an LED, or any other type of display suitable for use in the gaming machine  10 . As shown, the primary display  14  includes the touch screen  28  overlaying the entire display (or a portion thereof) to allow players to make game-related selections. Alternatively, the primary display  14  of the gaming machine  10  may include a number of mechanical reels to display the outcome in visual association with at least one payline  32 . In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine  10  is an “upright” version in which the primary display  14  is oriented vertically relative to the player. Alternatively, the gaming machine may be a “slant-top” version in which the primary display  14  is slanted at about a thirty-degree angle toward the player of the gaming machine  10 . 
     A player begins play of the basic wagering game by making a wager via the value input device  18  of the gaming machine  10 . A player can select play by using the player input device  24 , via the buttons  26  or the touch screen keys  30 . The basic game consists of a plurality of symbols arranged in an array, and includes at least one payline  32  that indicates one or more outcomes of the basic game. Such outcomes are randomly selected in response to the wagering input by the player. At least one of the plurality of randomly-selected outcomes may be a start-bonus outcome, which can include any variations of symbols or symbol combinations triggering a bonus game. 
     In some embodiments, the gaming machine  10  may also include a player information reader  52  that allows for identification of a player by reading a card with information indicating his or her true identity. The player information reader  52  is shown in  FIG. 1   a  as a card reader, but may take on many forms including a ticket reader, bar code scanner, RFID transceiver or computer readable storage medium interface. Currently, identification is generally used by casinos for rewarding certain players with complimentary services or special offers. For example, a player may be enrolled in the gaming establishment&#39;s loyalty club and may be awarded certain complimentary services as that player collects points in his or her player-tracking account. The player inserts his or her card into the player information reader  52 , which allows the casino&#39;s computers to register that player&#39;s wagering at the gaming machine  10 . The gaming machine  10  may use the secondary display  16  or other dedicated player-tracking display for providing the player with information about his or her account or other player-specific information. Also, in some embodiments, the information reader  52  may be used to restore game assets that the player achieved and saved during a previous game session. 
     Depicted in  FIG. 1   b  is a handheld or mobile gaming machine  110 . Like the free standing gaming machine  10 , the handheld gaming machine  110  is preferably an electronic gaming machine configured to play a video casino game such as, but not limited to, blackjack, slots, keno, poker, blackjack, and roulette. The handheld gaming machine  110  comprises a housing or casing  112  and includes input devices, including a value input device  118  and a player input device  124 . For output the handheld gaming machine  110  includes, but is not limited to, a primary display  114 , a secondary display  116 , one or more speakers  117 , one or more player-accessible ports  119  (e.g., an audio output jack for headphones, a video headset jack, etc.), and other conventional I/O devices and ports, which may or may not be player-accessible. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1   b , the handheld gaming machine  110  comprises a secondary display  116  that is rotatable relative to the primary display  114 . The optional secondary display  116  may be fixed, movable, and/or detachable/attachable relative to the primary display  114 . Either the primary display  114  and/or secondary display  116  may be configured to display any aspect of a non-wagering game, wagering game, secondary games, bonus games, progressive wagering games, group games, shared-experience games or events, game events, game outcomes, scrolling information, text messaging, emails, alerts or announcements, broadcast information, subscription information, and handheld gaming machine status. 
     The player-accessible value input device  118  may comprise, for example, a slot located on the front, side, or top of the casing  112  configured to receive credit from a stored-value card (e.g., casino card, smart card, debit card, credit card, etc.) inserted by a player. In another aspect, the player-accessible value input device  118  may comprise a sensor (e.g., an RF sensor) configured to sense a signal (e.g., an RF signal) output by a transmitter (e.g., an RF transmitter) carried by a player. The player-accessible value input device  118  may also or alternatively include a ticket reader, or barcode scanner, for reading information stored on a credit ticket, a card, or other tangible portable credit or funds storage device. The credit ticket or card may also authorize access to a central account, which can transfer money to the handheld gaming machine  110 . 
     Still other player-accessible value input devices  118  may require the use of touch keys  130  on the touch-screen display (e.g., primary display  114  and/or secondary display  116 ) or player input devices  124 . Upon entry of player identification information and, preferably, secondary authorization information (e.g., a password, PIN number, stored value card number, predefined key sequences, etc.), the player may be permitted to access a player&#39;s account. As one potential optional security feature, the handheld gaming machine  110  may be configured to permit a player to only access an account the player has specifically set up for the handheld gaming machine  110 . Other conventional security features may also be utilized to, for example, prevent unauthorized access to a player&#39;s account, to minimize an impact of any unauthorized access to a player&#39;s account, or to prevent unauthorized access to any personal information or funds temporarily stored on the handheld gaming machine  110 . 
     The player-accessible value input device  118  may itself comprise or utilize a biometric player information reader which permits the player to access available funds on a player&#39;s account, either alone or in combination with another of the aforementioned player-accessible value input devices  118 . In an embodiment wherein the player-accessible value input device  118  comprises a biometric player information reader, transactions such as an input of value to the handheld device, a transfer of value from one player account or source to an account associated with the handheld gaming machine  110 , or the execution of another transaction, for example, could all be authorized by a biometric reading, which could comprise a plurality of biometric readings, from the biometric device. 
     Alternatively, to enhance security, a transaction may be optionally enabled only by a two-step process in which a secondary source confirms the identity indicated by a primary source. For example, a player-accessible value input device  118  comprising a biometric player information reader may require a confirmatory entry from another biometric player information reader  152 , or from another source, such as a credit card, debit card, player ID card, fob key, PIN number, password, hotel room key, etc. Thus, a transaction may be enabled by, for example, a combination of the personal identification input (e.g., biometric input) with a secret PIN number, or a combination of a biometric input with a fob input, or a combination of a fob input with a PIN number, or a combination of a credit card input with a biometric input. Essentially, any two independent sources of identity, one of which is secure or personal to the player (e.g., biometric readings, PIN number, password, etc.) could be utilized to provide enhanced security prior to the electronic transfer of any funds. In another aspect, the value input device  118  may be provided remotely from the handheld gaming machine  110 . 
     The player input device  124  comprises a plurality of push buttons on a button panel for operating the handheld gaming machine  110 . In addition, or alternatively, the player input device  124  may comprise a touch screen  128  mounted to a primary display  114  and/or secondary display  116 . In one aspect, the touch screen  128  is matched to a display screen having one or more selectable touch keys  130  selectable by a user&#39;s touching of the associated area of the screen using a finger or a tool, such as a stylus pointer. A player enables a desired function either by touching the touch screen  128  at an appropriate touch key  130  or by pressing an appropriate push button  126  on the button panel. The touch keys  130  may be used to implement the same functions as push buttons  126 . Alternatively, the push buttons may provide inputs for one aspect of the operating the game, while the touch keys  130  may allow for input needed for another aspect of the game. The various components of the handheld gaming machine  110  may be connected directly to, or contained within, the casing  112 , as seen in  FIG. 1   b , or may be located outboard of the casing  112  and connected to the casing  112  via a variety of hardwired (tethered) or wireless connection methods. Thus, the handheld gaming machine  110  may comprise a single unit or a plurality of interconnected parts (e.g., wireless connections) which may be arranged to suit a player&#39;s preferences. 
     The operation of the basic wagering game on the handheld gaming machine  110  is displayed to the player on the primary display  114 . The primary display  114  can also display the bonus game associated with the basic wagering game. The primary display  114  preferably takes the form of a high resolution LCD, a plasma display, an LED, or any other type of display suitable for use in the handheld gaming machine  110 . The size of the primary display  114  may vary from, for example, about a 2-3″ display to a 15″ or 17″ display. In at least some aspects, the primary display  114  is a 7″-10″ display. As the weight of and/or power requirements of such displays decreases with improvements in technology, it is envisaged that the size of the primary display may be increased. Optionally, coatings or removable films or sheets may be applied to the display to provide desired characteristics (e.g., anti-scratch, anti-glare, bacterially-resistant and anti-microbial films, etc.). In at least some embodiments, the primary display  114  and/or secondary display  116  may have a 16:9 aspect ratio or other aspect ratio (e.g., 4:3). The primary display  114  and/or secondary display  116  may also each have different resolutions, different color schemes, and different aspect ratios. 
     As with the free standing gaming machine  10 , a player begins play of the basic wagering game on the handheld gaming machine  110  by making a wager (e.g., via the value input device  18  or an assignment of credits stored on the handheld gaming machine via the touch screen keys  130 , player input device  124 , or buttons  126 ) on the handheld gaming machine  110 . In at least some aspects, the basic game may comprise a plurality of symbols arranged in an array, and includes at least one payline  132  that indicates one or more outcomes of the basic game. Such outcomes are randomly selected in response to the wagering input by the player. At least one of the plurality of randomly selected outcomes may be a start-bonus outcome, which can include any variations of symbols or symbol combinations triggering a bonus game. 
     In some embodiments, the player-accessible value input device  118  of the handheld gaming machine  110  may double as a player information reader  152  that allows for identification of a player by reading a card with information indicating the player&#39;s identity (e.g., reading a player&#39;s credit card, player ID card, smart card, etc.). The player information reader  152  may alternatively or also comprise a bar code scanner, RFID transceiver or computer readable storage medium interface. In one presently preferred aspect, the player information reader  152 , shown by way of example in  FIG. 1   b , comprises a biometric sensing device. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , the various components of the gaming machine  10  are controlled by a central processing unit (CPU)  34 , also referred to herein as a controller or processor (such as a microcontroller or microprocessor). To provide gaming functions, the controller  34  executes one or more game programs stored in a computer readable storage medium, in the form of memory  36 . The controller  34  performs the random selection (using a random number generator (RNG)) of an outcome from the plurality of possible outcomes of the wagering game. Alternatively, the random event may be determined at a remote controller. The remote controller may use either an RNG or pooling scheme for its central determination of a game outcome. It should be appreciated that the controller  34  may include one or more microprocessors, including but not limited to a master processor, a slave processor, and a secondary or parallel processor. 
     The controller  34  is also coupled to the system memory  36  and a money/credit detector  38 . The system memory  36  may comprise a volatile memory (e.g., a random-access memory (RAM)) and a non-volatile memory (e.g., an EEPROM). The system memory  36  may include multiple RAM and multiple program memories. The money/credit detector  38  signals the processor that money and/or credits have been input via the value input device  18 . Preferably, these components are located within the housing  12  of the gaming machine  10 . However, as explained above, these components may be located outboard of the housing  12  and connected to the remainder of the components of the gaming machine  10  via a variety of different wired or wireless connection methods. 
     As seen in  FIG. 2 , the controller  34  is also connected to, and controls, the primary display  14 , the player input device  24 , and a payoff mechanism  40 . The payoff mechanism  40  is operable in response to instructions from the controller  34  to award a payoff to the player in response to certain winning outcomes that might occur in the basic game or the bonus game(s). The payoff may be provided in the form of points, bills, tickets, coupons, cards, etc. For example, in  FIG. 1   a , the payoff mechanism  40  includes both a ticket printer  42  and a coin outlet  44 . However, any of a variety of payoff mechanisms  40  well known in the art may be implemented, including cards, coins, tickets, smartcards, cash, etc. The payoff amounts distributed by the payoff mechanism  40  are determined by one or more pay tables stored in the system memory  36 . 
     Communications between the controller  34  and both the peripheral components of the gaming machine  10  and external systems  50  occur through input/output (I/O) circuits  46 ,  48 . More specifically, the controller  34  controls and receives inputs from the peripheral components of the gaming machine  10  through the input/output circuits  46 . Further, the controller  34  communicates with the external systems  50  via the I/O circuits  48  and a communication path (e.g., serial, parallel, IR, RC, 10bT, etc.). The external systems  50  may include a gaming network, other gaming machines, a gaming server, communications hardware, or a variety of other interfaced systems or components. Although the I/O circuits  46 ,  48  may be shown as a single block, it should be appreciated that each of the I/O circuits  46 ,  48  may include a number of different types of I/O circuits. 
     Controller  34 , as used herein, comprises any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware that may be disposed or resident inside and/or outside of the gaming machine  10  that may communicate with and/or control the transfer of data between the gaming machine  10  and a bus, another computer, processor, or device and/or a service and/or a network. The controller  34  may comprise one or more controllers or processors. In  FIG. 2 , the controller  34  in the gaming machine  10  is depicted as comprising a CPU, but the controller  34  may alternatively comprise a CPU in combination with other components, such as the I/O circuits  46 ,  48  and the system memory  36 . The controller  34  may reside partially or entirely inside or outside of the machine  10 . The control system for a handheld gaming machine  110  may be similar to the control system for the free standing gaming machine  10  except that the functionality of the respective on-board controllers may vary. 
     The gaming machines  10 , 110  may communicate with external systems  50  (in a wired or wireless manner) such that each machine operates as a “thin client,” having relatively less functionality, a “thick client,” having relatively more functionality, or through any range of functionality therebetween (e.g., a “rich client”). As a generally “thin client,” the gaming machine may operate primarily as a display device to display the results of gaming outcomes processed externally, for example, on a server as part of the external systems  50 . In this “thin client” configuration, the server executes game code and determines game outcomes (e.g., with a random number generator), while the controller  34  on board the gaming machine processes display information to be displayed on the display(s) of the machine. In an alternative “rich client” configuration, the server determines game outcomes, while the controller  34  on board the gaming machine executes game code and processes display information to be displayed on the display(s) of the machines. In yet another alternative “thick client” configuration, the controller  34  on board the gaming machine  110  executes game code, determines game outcomes, and processes display information to be displayed on the display(s) of the machine. Numerous alternative configurations are possible such that the aforementioned and other functions may be performed onboard or external to the gaming machine as may be necessary for particular applications. It should be understood that the gaming machines  10 , 110  may take on a wide variety of forms such as a free standing machine, a portable or handheld device primarily used for gaming, a mobile telecommunications device such as a mobile telephone or personal daily assistant (PDA), a counter top or bar top gaming machine, or other personal electronic device such as a portable television, MP3 player, entertainment device, etc. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 3-5 , a gaming machine  160  similar to the gaming machine  10  of  FIG. 1   a  is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention. The gaming machine  160  includes a gaming cabinet  162 , which generally surrounds an interior  164  of the gaming machine  160  and is viewable by players. The gaming cabinet  162  includes a main door  166  on the front of the gaming machine  160 , which opens to provide access to the interior  164  of the gaming machine  160 .  FIG. 3  shows the cabinet  162  with the main door  166  open, and  FIGS. 4   a - c  and  5  show the cabinet  162  with the main door  166  removed (for clarity). Components such as push buttons  24 , the bill acceptor  22 , the coin outlet  44 , and the like (shown in  FIG. 1   a ) may be attached to the main door  166 . 
     When closed, the main door  166  is positioned (or aligned) along a first edge  168  of the gaming cabinet  162  generally opposite a rear wall  170  of the gaming cabinet  162 . A first side wall  172  and a second side wall  174 , generally opposite one another, are connected to the first edge  168  and the rear wall  170  of the gaming cabinet  162 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 4-7 . The exterior of the gaming cabinet  162  may have other shapes than those illustrated in the  FIGS. 4-7 . 
     Various components are mounted within the gaming cabinet  162 . For purposes of clarity, however, only some components are shown. For example, the CPU  34  (referred to in  FIG. 2 ) is mounted within a CPU box that is designed to fit within a CPU enclosure  175 . Other components mounted within the gaming cabinet  162  may include two power supplies such as a primary power supply  177  and an auxiliary power supply  179 . 
     The gaming cabinet  162  includes a first structural member  176   a  and a second structural member  176   b  to increase the strength and/or stability of the gaming cabinet  162 . In the illustrated embodiments, the first structural member  176   a  is generally disposed in a first corner  178 , formed by the intersection of the first side wall  172  and the rear wall  170 . The second structural member  176   b  is generally disposed in a second corner  180 , formed by the intersection of the second side wall  174  and the rear wall  170 . 
     In one embodiment, the first and second structural members  176   a ,  176   b  have, optionally, a triangular shape, shown best in  FIG. 4   c . The first structural member  176   a  has a first structural member side  182   a , a second structural member side  184   a , and third structural member side  186   a . The first structural member side  182   a  is generally aligned with the first side wall  172  of the gaming cabinet  162 , the second structural member side  184   a  is generally aligned with the rear wall  170  of the gaming cabinet  162 , and the third structural member side  186   a  is traversely oriented with respect to both the first side wall  172  and the rear wall  170 , as illustrated best in  FIG. 4   c.    
     The second structural member  176   b  includes a first structural member side  182   b , a second structural member side  184   b , and a third structural member side  186   b . The first structural member side  182   b  is aligned with the second side wall  174  of the gaming cabinet  162 , the second structural member side  184   b  is aligned with the rear wall  170  of the gaming cabinet  162 , and the third structural member side  186   b  is traversly oriented with respect to both the second side wall  174  and the rear wall  170  of the gaming cabinet  162 . Although the first structural member  176   a  and the second structural member  176   b  have been described as being generally identical, in alternative embodiments they may be different from each other. 
     The first and second structural members  176   a,b  may be comprised of a rigid material adapted to assist in providing stability to the gaming cabinet  162  and, optionally, to provide resistance to adverse environmental conditions (e.g., rust-free). For example, the first and second structural members  176   a ,  176   b  can be made using galvanized steel. In other embodiments, the first and second structural member  176   a ,  176   b  can be made using cold rolled steel, plated steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or a conductive material-containing plastic. 
     The first and second structural members  176   a ,  176   b  assist in providing support in the corners  178 ,  180  of the gaming cabinet  162 . Movement of the first side wall  172  and the second side wall  174  with respect to the rear wall  170  is greatly reduced, if not completely eliminated, as a result of the presence of the first and second structural members  176   a ,  176   b . Thus, when the main door  166  is opened and closed, the gaming cabinet  162  is prevented from “rocking,” remaining generally stationary and sturdy. 
     The structural members  176   a ,  176   b  include respective interior spaces  187   a ,  187   b  (shown in  FIG. 4   c ) for containing wires typically used and included within gaming machines. For example, the wires include DC wires, such as signal wires and input/output wires, which are used to deliver low-voltage power and provide operational control of the gaming machine  160 . Other wires include AC wires, which are used to transfer high-voltage power to the gaming machine  160 . 
     The DC wires, including signal and input/output wires, are generally contained within the interior  187   a  of the first structural member  176   a . The AC wires are generally contained within the interior  187   b  of the second structural member  176   b . Separating the AC wires from the DC wires eliminates, or greatly reduces, electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electrostatic discharge (ESD) that can occur when the wires are bundled together. Additionally, the physical enclosure provided by the first and second structural members  176   a ,  176   b  results in further shielding from the effects of EMI and ESD. For example, using galvanized steel, which is a conductive material, assists in providing shielding from EMI and ESD. 
     In the illustrated embodiments, the wires are received into the gaming cabinet  162  through a hole  188  on the bottom of the gaming cabinet  162 . However, other locations of receiving the wires into the gaming cabinet  162  are alternatively, or optionally, contemplated. The DC wires are directed into the first structural member  176   a  and the AC wires are directed into the second structural member  176   b . Where desired, the wires may be directed from the first and second structural members  176   a ,  176   b  into a top box (not illustrated) through openings  204  and  206 . Specifically, the DC wires may enter the top box through the opening  204  and the AC wires may enter the top box through opening  206 . The top box sits on top of the gaming machine  160  and is generally used to display graphics and other information about the gaming machine  160 . 
     To associate the plurality of wires to the various components of the gaming machine  160  and distribute operational control and power to the gaming machine  160 , the first structural member  176   a  includes at least one DC connector plate  200  and the second structural member  176   b  includes at least one AC connector plate  190 . The DC connector plates  200  and the AC connector plates  190  are made using a zinc-plated material. Alternatively, the DC connector plates  200  and/or the AC connector plates  190  can be made using other materials, preferably having conductive and/or corrosion resistant properties. In some embodiments, the DC connector plates  200  and the AC connector plates  190  could be made using cold rolled steel, plated steel, stainless steel, aluminum or conductive material-containing plastic. Also, throughout the application zinc-plated and galvanized steel may be used interchangeably from a functional standpoint. 
     The DC connector plates  200  and the AC connector plates  190  are modular plates enabling the change of electrical/signal connectors without having to change other members or components of the gaming cabinet  162 . In general, the connector plates  190 ,  200  include a plurality of apertures in which connector receptacles are inserted. The connector receptacles are used to connect electrically supplying wire (e.g., DC or AC wire) from within the structural members  176   a ,  176   b  with electrical component wires from within the gaming cabinet  162 . Thus, if a first electrical component having a first electrical connector is changed with a second electrical component having a second electrical connector that is different than the first electrical connector, the only modification to the gaming cabinet  160  may be to replace an inappropriate connector plate with an appropriate connector plate that can accommodate the second electrical connector. For example, to power the primary display  14 , an electrical component wire extends from the primary display  14  to the AC connector plate  190 . In some circumstances, it may be desirable to change the primary display  14  with a different type of display that is adapted to provide better image quality. The different type of display may require a larger amount of power deliverable by a different type of electrical component wire that is not adapted to attach to the connector plate  190 . Thus, the connector plate  190  may be switched with a different connector plate that can accommodate the different type of electrical component wire. 
     The DC connector plates  200  and the AC connector plates  190  are removable from the first and second structural members  176   a ,  176   b  without the use of a tool. In other words, the connector plates  190 ,  200  are removably secured to the respective structural members  176   a ,  176   b  with fasteners that can be manually attached/removed without requiring a tool. For example, the fastener can include a knob attached to a threaded rod, wherein the knob is used to screw/unscrew the rod when attaching/removing the connector plates  190 ,  200 . 
     The DC connector plate  200  includes at least one connector  202 , which is electrically connected to at least one DC wire, such as a signal wire or input/output wires. The wires are located on the side of the DC connector plate  200  facing the first structural member  176   a . Various components such as the CPU  34  in the CPU enclosure  175  may then be associated with the DC wires via the connectors  202  on the side of the signal connector plates  200  facing away from the first structural member  176   a.    
     Similar to the DC connector plate  200 , the AC connector plate  190  includes at least one connector  192 , which is associated with at least one AC wire on the side of the AC connector plate  190  facing the structural member  176   b . The primary power supply  177  and auxiliary power supply  179  may be associated with the AC wires via the connectors  192  on the side of the AC connector plates  190  facing away from the second structural member  176   b.    
     Although the above-described plurality of wires have been described as being received within structural members  176   a ,  176   b , the wires can be received into other types of members that do not necessarily provide structural strength and/or stability to the gaming cabinet. The wires may be separated into other types of rigid conduits, flexible conduits, or channels. For example, referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7   a - b , a gaming cabinet  220  is illustrated having channels  222   a  and  222   b . Channel  222   a  contains the DC wires (labeled with reference numeral  224 ) while channel  222   b  contains the AC wires (illustrated with reference numeral  226 ). In this embodiment, the structural channels  222   a ,  222   b  are circular, rigid channels generally disposed within the gaming cabinet  220 . However, as mentioned above, the channels  222   a ,  222   b  can take other shapes and be located in other positions within the gaming cabinet  220  so long as the AC wires remain separated from the DC wires. 
     Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.