Patent Publication Number: US-2010120534-A1

Title: Touch buttons for gaming machines

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     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&#39;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. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       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. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary gaming machine with an embodiment of the invention installed therein; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 3A-3B  are perspective views of various embodiments of the button hardware of the invention; 
         FIGS. 4A-4B  are block diagrams of the components of various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an assembled embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another exemplary gaming machine with an embodiment of the invention installed therein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     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.  FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of such a gaming machine  104 . As illustrated, the gaming machine  104  includes a housing  112  for enclosing/supporting various components of the gaming machine. The housing  112  may have a variety of configurations. In one embodiment, the housing  112  is configured so the machine has an “upright” configuration. The machine  104  might also be configured as a “slant”-type, “bar-top” or have other forms. The housing  112  may have various portions, including a main body or cabinet portion, a door, and a top box. The cabinet portion may be configured to house one or more components of the gaming machine  104 . The one or more doors may be connected to the cabinet and be configured to move so as to provide access to various portions of the cabinet. The one or more doors or other panels may also support various components of the gaming machine. As indicated, the gaming machine may also include a top box or other additional peripheral features, which portions may also house or support various components of the 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  FIG. 1 , a plurality of touch buttons  144  are located below the display  108  of a gaming machine  104 . In this exemplary embodiment, the touch buttons  144  are arranged similar to the push buttons  124  of the gaming machine  104 . In this configuration, the touch buttons  144  may control the same functions or provide similar input as the push buttons  124  of the gaming machine  104 . 
     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  FIG. 1 , the gaming machine  104  may include one or more mechanical push buttons  124  as we as one or more touch buttons  144  of the invention. This may allow players to choice between using the touch buttons  144  or the push buttons  124 . Alternatively, the push buttons  124  and touch buttons  144  may be associated with different gaming machine functions or inputs. In a preferred embodiment, however, the touch buttons  144  may be used instead of push buttons  124  to provide the same functionality but with the above-described benefits of touch buttons. 
     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&#39;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&#39;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  FIG. 1  illustrates the touch buttons  144  used as general game inputs, it is noted that other configurations are possible. For example, the touch buttons  144  might be configured as keypad for the player tracking device  136 . It will be understood by one of ordinary skill from the disclosure herein that one or more touch buttons  144  of the invention may be utilized as an input device for various different purposes. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the one or more touch buttons  144  are part of a touch button assembly  116 .  FIG. 2  is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a touch button assembly  116  having one or more touch buttons  144 . As shown, the touch button assembly  116  comprises a support  212 , button hardware  208 , and a cover  204 . In one or more embodiments, the button hardware  208  provides touch or proximity sensitivity for one or more touch buttons. The button hardware  208  may also provide player feedback to notify players that a touch button has been engaged or that a touch button&#39;s function is activated. As will be described further below, player feedback may comprise one or more lights, sounds, or vibrations which are emitted by the button hardware  208  or a portion thereof. 
     As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 3A , the button hardware  208  may comprise one or more sensors  304 , one or more feedback devices  312 , and a processor  316 . As shown, each sensor  304  is formed integral with or is attached to a circuit board or substrate  209 . It is noted however that in some embodiments the one or more sensors  304  may be separate from the substrate  209  and be connected thereto by one or more electrical or other connections. Each of these sensors  304  may be associated with a touch button to provide the touch sensitivity for the button. 
     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&#39;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&#39;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&#39;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  FIG. 3A , the sensors  304  comprise capacitive sensors which detect a change in capacitance caused by the proximity of player to the sensor. Generally, the player&#39;s proximity will be the proximity of a player&#39;s finger tip to the sensor  304 . However, the sensor  304  may detect the proximity of other portions of the player&#39;s body as well. As shown, each sensor  304  comprises a pair of electrodes  308  which are spaced apart. An electric field may be generated between the electrodes  308 . As a player nears a sensor  304 , the electrical field is affected and a change in capacitance may be detected by the electrodes  308 . In this manner, the player&#39;s proximity to the sensor  304  may be detected by the sensor. The player&#39;s distance from each sensor  304  may be determined from the capacitance detected by the sensor  304 . For example, increased or decreased capacitance may indicate that a player is close to or far from, the sensor. In one or more embodiments, the sensors  304  may be configured to output sensor information comprising a voltage corresponding to the detected capacitance. As stated, this sensor information may indicate the player&#39;s distance, and thus may be used to determine whether or not a touch button  144  has been engaged. 
     As indicated, a touch button  144  may be activated when the player&#39;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  FIG. 2 . In this manner, a touch button  144  may be activated when the player is at a distance from the sensor  304  which indicates that the player is touching or is proximate to a portion of the touch button assembly  116 , such as the cover  204 . 
     It is contemplated that other types of sensors may be used to detect a player&#39;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&#39;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&#39;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  FIG. 4A , in one or more embodiments, the processor  316  receives information from the one or more sensors  304  and may control other components, such as lights  312 . The processor  316  is also communicatively coupled to the gaming machine  104  to provide an output to the gaming machine  104 . Such a coupling may comprise a wired or wireless communication link. Such a link may utilize a proprietary protocol, or more preferably, a standardized one such as USB, RS-232 or the like. The processor  316  may provide an output to the gaming machine&#39;s controller or other devices associated therewith, such as a communication bus. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the processor  316  may be mounted on the circuit board  209 . In such a configuration, the sensors  304  may communicate with the processor  316  via leads formed in or on the circuit board  209 . Of course, the processor  316  might be external or remote from the sensors  304 . For example, the sensors  304  might provide a raw output to a remote processor of the gaming machine. Further, it will be appreciated that there may be one or more processors  316 . For example, a processor  316  might be provided relative to each sensor  304  or, as illustrated, be provided relative to a group of sensors  304 . 
     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&#39;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&#39;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&#39;s distance from a sensor  304  to allow a gaming machine  104  to respond to the player&#39;s proximity as well as the player&#39;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  FIGS. 3B and 4B . As shown, the one or more sensors  304  may directly provide an output to the gaming machine  104 . The gaming machine  104  may itself include a processor  316 , such as described above, to translate sensor information, or the sensors  304  may provide sensor information which is usable by a gaming machine without translation. For example, some kinds of sensors  304 , including embodiments of the sensors described above, may provide sensor information which indicates that a touch button has been engaged rather than sensor information which indicates a player&#39;s proximity. It is contemplated that these sensors  304  may be directly connected to a gaming machine  104  as the sensor information they provide may be used by a gaming machine without conversion. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A-3B , the button hardware  208  may provide player feedback through one or more feedback devices  312  or status indicating devices in one or more embodiments. Player feedback is advantageous because it allows players to ascertain the state of a touch button. Feedback may be provided when a touch button is engaged, not engaged, activated, or not activated. For example, a feedback device  312  may provide player feedback when a touch button is engaged by a player to confirm to the player that the button has indeed been engaged or activated. When the player disengages the touch button, such feedback may no longer be provided or it may be replaced with feedback confirming to the player that the button is indeed no longer engaged. 
     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&#39;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  FIGS. 3A-3B , the feedback devices  312  may be any device capable of providing perceivable notification of a touch button&#39;s state to a player. Feedback devices  312  may include sound emitters, vibrators, light emitting devices, or combinations thereof. One or more feedback devices  312  may be associated with a touch button such as by being located adjacent the touch button&#39;s sensor  308 . This allows the feedback devices  312  to provide feedback for individual touch buttons. It is contemplated that the feedback devices  312  may be located at various locations as long as feedback for one or more touch buttons may still be perceived by players. For example, a light may preferably be located near a touch button to allow the light to provide feedback by illuminating the touch button while a speaker may be positioned further away from a touch button and still provide the desired feedback. 
     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&#39;s or other person&#39;s attention. 
     In one embodiment, the processor  316  may control the feedback devices  312  based on sensor information from the sensors  304 . Referring to  FIG. 4A , the processor  316  may receive sensor information indicating that a touch button has been engaged and in response activate a feedback device  312  associated with the touch button. In this embodiment, the processor  316  may be directly connected to one or more feedback devices  316 . 
     It is noted that the feedback devices  312  may alternatively be connected to and controlled by a gaming machine  104 . This is illustrated in  FIG. 4B . In these embodiments, the gaming machine  104  may include a processor  316  which controls the feedback devices  312 , as described above, or the gaming machine  104  may directly control the feedback devices with other devices or hardware. For example, the gaming machine  104  may already include hardware capable of controlling one or more lights for traditional push buttons. It is contemplated that the same hardware may be used to control feedback devices  312 , such as but not limited to lights, of the button hardware  208 . 
     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  FIG. 2 . The cover  204  covers or extends over one or more elements of the touch button assembly  116 . In one embodiment, the cover  204  covers the button hardware  208  and support  212 . Preferably, the cover  204  covers the entire support  212  and the button hardware  208  so that such are not accessible from the exterior of the gaming machine. Such a configuration is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 6 . The cover  204  may also extend beyond the support  212  and cover a portion of the gaming machine  104 . For example, it is contemplated that the cover  204  may cover the support  212  as well as one or more displays  108  of a gaming machine  104 . In this manner, the cover  204  provides its benefits to the gaming machine  104  as well as the touch button assembly  116 . 
     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&#39;s or a gaming machine&#39;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. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an assembled embodiment of the touch button assembly  116 . As illustrated, the cover  204  may also provide or define particular player engageable areas  508  corresponding to the one or more touch buttons  144 . For example, a player engageable area  508  may be a portion of the cover  204  within the detection zone of at least one sensor  304 . In this manner, a player may touch the player engageable area  508  to activate a touch button  144 . As described below, printing, graphics or the like may be formed in or be associated with the cover  204  to identify the player engageable areas  508  and their associated functions to one or more players. For example, the cover  204  may have areas which are labeled with “spin”, “draw”, “bet one” or the like, corresponding to the particular sensors which correspond to those functions. One advantage of the assembly  116  is that the cover  204  can be removed and replaced, thereby changing the designations of the various touch buttons  144 . For example, sensors of the assembly  116  as used at one gaming machine may correspond to “draw/replace” functions for a video poker game, and the cover  204  may be appropriately labeled. The same assembly  116  may be used at a slot machine where the sensors provide a “spin” input, where only the cover  204  labeling differs. It will also be appreciated that other labeling or identification can be utilized, such as illuminated text, lights or the like. 
     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  FIG. 1 , for example, each touch button  144  may be represented by a rectangular graphic applied to the touch button assembly&#39;s  116  cover  204 . In this manner, players can easily determine the location of the particular touch buttons relative to the assembly  116 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , indicia may also identify the function of each button. 
     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  FIG. 2  the support  212  comprises tabs  216  which allow the support to be attached to a gaming machine&#39;s housing. The support  212  may be secured to a housing by one or more fasteners, adhesives, welds, or the like, or the support may be configured for a friction or snap-in fit to secure the support to the housing. Of course, other ways of attaching the support  212  to the housing may be used as well. It is noted that some gaming machines may have a support  212  or a support-like structure and thus a separate support may not be provided in all embodiments. 
     The support  212  may provide a substantial portion of the structure of a gaming machine&#39;s housing as well. As can be seen from  FIGS. 2 and 6 , the support  212  forms a large portion of the gaming machine&#39;s  104  housing  112  between the display  608  and the push buttons  124 . The cover  204  extends beyond the touch buttons  144  to provide a planar area covering the support  212 . In this manner, a substantial portion of the gaming machine  104  is provided by the touch button assembly  116 . 
     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  FIG. 2  curves along its vertical axis to conform to the shape of the gaming machine&#39;s housing  112 . As another example, the support  212  of the touch button assembly  116  may be planar to suit the flat front of its gaming machine&#39;s  104  housing  112  such as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 6 , in some embodiments, the support  212  may include one or more other apertures or openings  220 . Such an aperture or opening  220  may be configured to allow a portion or component of the gaming machine  104  to be visible or accessible through the support  212 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , a portion of a display  604  of a gaming machine  104  may be visible or accessible through one or more openings  220  in the support  212 . If physical access to a component of a gaming machine  104  is desired, a corresponding opening may be formed in the cover  204  in one or more embodiments. For example, an opening may be formed in the support  212  and the cover  204  to allow access to a gaming machine&#39;s  104  card reader. 
     The support  212  and thus the touch button assembly  116  may be positioned at various locations of a gaming machine. As illustrated in  FIG. 1  for example, the touch button assembly  116  may be located below a gaming machine&#39;s  104  main display  108 . In this location, the touch button assembly  116  may be well suited to provide touch buttons  144  for game play. In another embodiment, the touch button assembly  116  may be located near the gaming machine&#39;s card reader. In this location, the touch button assembly  116  may provide touch buttons  144  which form a keypad for a gaming machine&#39;s player tracking device. Of course, the touch button assembly  116  may be located at other locations as well, including at a console portion thereof at which traditional push-buttons would normally be located. In one embodiment, for instance, a touch button assembly  116  may be of relatively small size and located on the top surface of a traditional push button. 
     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. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates how the elements of the invention may be located relative to one another when the invention is assembled. It is noted that only a portion of the cover  204  is shown, and that portion is illustrated as transparent to better illustrate the invention. As can be seen from  FIG. 5 , the button hardware  208  is secured to the support  212  with the cover  204  positioned such that it covers the button hardware. 
     As stated, the cover  204  may also have graphics which identify the location of the touch buttons  144 .  FIG. 5  illustrates indicia  504  used to identify the location of a touch button  144  and its associated function. In the case where a sensor  304  is capable of detecting touches at multiple locations, multiple graphic indicators of touch buttons may be positioned within the detection zone of a sensor. In this manner, a single sensor  304  may be used to provide touch or proximity sensitivity for a plurality of 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  FIG. 6  and described briefly above, the cover  204  may extend over more than just the touch buttons  144 . As illustrated, a larger portion of the gaming machine  104  may be covered by the cover  204 . For example, the cover  204  may cover one or more other components of the gaming machine, with the button hardware  208  located behind just a portion of the cover. For example, as illustrated, the cover  204  may extend over a portion of a display  604  of the gaming machine (that portion being transparent for viewing of the display there through). In this manner, a single cover  204  provides an unbroken surface covering a larger portion of the gaming machine  104 . This allows the area covered by the cover  204  to be easily cleaned, and provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance while protecting the gaming machine&#39;s  104  displays  608  or reels and other components. 
     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.