Patent Publication Number: US-2010120518-A1

Title: Animated gaming machine tower light

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to gaming machines, and particularly to tower lights for such machines. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Gaming machine manufacturers continually seek to improve gaming machines to make them more user friendly and to entice players to play them. Gaming machine manufacturers have thus configured gaming machines with sound systems, player features such as cup holders, and a variety of other features. However, there remains a need for further improvements to gaming machines to make them more exciting. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is a tower light, such as for a wagering gaming machine. 
     In one embodiment, the tower light comprises a plurality of lamp mounts. In a preferred embodiment, the lamp mounts comprise generally planar printed circuit boards. 
     A plurality of individually controllable LEDs are associated with each circuit board. The LEDs are located at a periphery of each circuit board and configured to emit light outwardly from its associated circuit board. The LEDs are spaced around the periphery of the circuit board. In embodiment, the circuit boards are circular in shape, so that the LEDs extend 360 degrees around the circuit boards. The LEDs are preferably configured to emit light in two or more colors. 
     The plurality of printed of circuit boards are stacked in a vertically. The circuit boards are oriented so that the LEDs associated therewith are aligned into vertical columns. The arrangement of the LEDs into rows (around the lamp mounts) and in vertical columns creates a square LED matrix. 
     The tower light further comprises a housing. In one embodiment, the housing comprises a base, a globe and a cap. The lamp mounts and their associated LEDs are located in the globe. 
     The tower light may be connected to via a communication link to a controller, such as a gaming machine controller, and a power source. The tower light may be controlled so that the LED matrix is capable of generating animation and information such as text and numbers. This information may be useful to the operator of a gaming machine and/or be provided to player, such as to entice a player to play the gaming machine or to provide a player of the gaming machine information during game play. 
     Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description which follows, when considered with the figures provided herein. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a gaming machine having a tower light in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a tower light in accordance with the invention; and 
         FIG. 3  illustrates in further detail a plurality of printed circuit boards of a tower light of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     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 a tower light for a gaming machine. Such a light may be located at a top of a gaming machine and be used to provide information, such as gaming machine condition information to an operator of the machine, and gaming machine attract information to a player. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a gaming machine or device  100  to which a tower light of the invention has applicability. As illustrated, the gaming machine  100  may be positioned on a support stand for convenient access by a player, but it may be mounted in a variety of manners. The gaming machine  100  might be located in various environments, such as a casino. Preferably, the gaming machine  100  is a wager-based gaming machine configured to present one or more games to a player which offer the possibility of an award of winnings. 
     In one embodiment, the gaming machine  100  defines a generally enclosed interior space for housing one or more components. As illustrated, the gaming machine  100  generally comprises a housing or cabinet  102  for supporting and/or enclosing various components required for operation of the gaming machine. In the embodiment illustrated, the housing  102  includes a door located at a front thereof, the door capable of being moved between an open position which allows access to the interior, and a closed position in which access to the interior is generally prevented. The configuration of the gaming machine  100  may vary. In the embodiment illustrated, the gaming machine  100  has an “upright” configuration. However, the gaming machine  100  could have other configurations, shapes or dimensions (such as being of a “slant”-type or other configuration as is well known to those of skill in the art). 
     The gaming machine  100  preferably includes at least one display device  104  configured to display game information. The display device  104  may be a mechanical, electro-mechanical or electronic display, such as one or more rotating reels, a video display or the like. When the display device  104  is an electronic video display, it may comprise a cathode ray tube (CRT), high resolution flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD), projection LCD, plasma display, field emission display, digital micro-mirror display (DMD), digital light processing display (DLP), LCD touchscreen, a light emitting display (LED) or other suitable displays now known or later developed, in a variety of resolutions, sizes and formats (e.g. 4:3, widescreen or the like). The display  104  may be capable of projecting or displaying a wide variety of information, including images, symbols and other indicia or information associated with game play, game promotion or other events. 
     The gaming machine  100  may be configured to present a wide variety of games. These may include video poker games, slot-type games, blackjack, bingo and bingo-based games, and other games now known or later developed. In one embodiment, certain game outcomes may be designated as winning outcomes. Awards may be provided for winning outcomes, such as monetary payments (or representations thereof, such as award of credits), prizes or the like. As is well known in the art, the number of winning outcomes may vary dependent upon the desired payout or winning percentage offered to the players as compared to wagers that are retained by the gaming establishment. 
     The gaming machine  100  also preferably includes one or more player input devices  108  (such as input buttons, a touch-screen display, joystick, touch-pad or the like) that may be utilized by the player to facilitate game play. Also included in the player input devices  108  is a means for accepting a wager or token representing monetary value. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a coin accepting mechanism  112  may be provided for accepting coins as well as a currency or bill acceptor  114  is provided for accepting cash or paper currency. It is contemplated that other mechanisms may be provided for accepting a wager, such as credit card, ticket readers or input devices whereby a player may have funds paid from a remote account. 
     In one preferred embodiment, the gaming machine  100  includes a microprocessor or controller (not shown) for controlling the gaming machine, including receiving player input and sending output signals for controlling the various components of the machine  100  (such as generating game information for display by the display  104 ). The controller may be arranged to receive input such as a bet credit signal when one of a wager button is depressed, and a currency insert signal when a player inserts bills or coins. The controller may be arranged to send signals for determining winning combinations, for causing the coin hopper/dispenser to pay winnings, and to cause a display to display winning amount information. In addition, the controller is preferably arranged to determine if a round of game play has resulted in a win, and if so, the amount to be paid to the player for that win. 
     In operation, the player may initiate game play by placing a wager. The wager is placed by activating one of the player input devices  108  such as a play one credit button  116  which places a single credit wager or a max bet button  118  which places a maximum wager for that round of game play. The maximum bet is commonly defined as playing or betting an amount comprising a multiple of the value of a single wager up to a predefined upper bet limit or threshold. When the player actuates either the play one credit button  116  or the max bet button  118 , a wager in that amount is placed and the player&#39;s credit base is decreased by the number of credits wagered. The player&#39;s remaining credit base is typically displayed to the player by way of the display device  104 . Upon placing a wager, the game may begin automatically or the player may initiate the game by activating another player input device, upon which the gaming machine  100  presents one or more game elements which are used to determine if the player has received a winning combination. 
     The gaming machine  100  generally includes a means for paying a player any winnings accumulated during game play. When a player wins a game, the player is preferably paid in the form of stored credits, the amount of which is indicated to the player on the display  104 . A “cash out” button may be provided for permitting a player to be paid the winnings or redeeming any credits initially paid into the gaming machine  100 . The term “cash out” is used herein to define an event initiated by the player wherein the player receives a number of coins or currency that is equivalent to the value of the player&#39;s accrued credit base. 
     Typically when a player cashes out, the player receives either a paper currency voucher or currency in the form of a coin disbursement. If the player decides to receive a coin disbursement, the gaming machine  100  activates a coin hopper or coin handling device (not shown) which physically counts and delivers the proper number of coins to the player. The coin handling device is commonly configured to transport coins from a supply source (hopper or bin filled with coins) to a coin tray  124  or payout receptacle where the player physically receives the coins. The player might also elect to cash out by having a ticket or other media dispensed, such as via a printer  120 . 
     The gaming machine  100  may be configured as a stand-alone device or be in communication with one or more external devices at one or more times. For example, the gaming machine  100  may be configured as a server based device and obtain game code or game outcome information from a remote server. The gaming machine  100  may also communicate with a remote accounting server and/or player tracking server, as is well known in the art. As indicated below, a preferred embodiment of the invention is a bingo game which involves two or more players. In such a game, each player may play the bingo game on a different gaming machine  100 . Each gaming machine  100  may communicate with a central server (not shown). The central server may generate game information which is provided to one or more gaming machines which are in communication therewith. 
     It will be appreciated that the gaming machine and system described and illustrated in  FIG. 1  is exemplary of just one environment for a tower light of the invention. 
     One embodiment of the invention is a tower light for a gaming machine.  FIG. 1  illustrates a tower light  200  located at a top of the housing  120  of the gaming machine  100 . Of course, the particular location and mounting of the tower light  200  might vary, such as depending upon the configuration of the gaming machine  100 . For example, if the gaming machine is equipped with a top box, the tower light may be located at the top of the top box portion of the gaming machine. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a tower light  200  of the invention in greater detail. In one embodiment, the tower light  200  comprises a plurality of lamp mounts  202 , each lamp mount having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs)  204  or other light generating/emitting elements mounted thereon (such light generating elements might comprise, for example, high or low intensity LEDs, OLEDs or other light emitting devices now known or later developed). In a preferred embodiment, the LEDs  204  are located at the periphery of each lamp mount  202 , so that the LEDs  204  project light outwardly for viewing. Each lamp mount  202  preferably has a plurality of LEDs  204  around the periphery thereof, the LEDs spaced apart from one another in a defined configuration. 
     In a preferred embodiment, each lamp mount  202  comprises a generally planar printed circuit board. Such a board may comprise a substrate having a plurality of leads or connectors embedded in or located thereon. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the lamp mounts  202  may be stacked or arranged in a vertically in an array. Preferably, the lamp mounts  202  are oriented so that the LEDs  204  thereon are aligned. In particular, the LEDs  202  are aligned in vertical columns. As a result of the LEDs  204  being located in rows around the lamp mounts  202  and then aligned in vertical columns, a matrix of LEDs aligned in horizontal rows and vertical columns is created. As detailed below, this matrix configuration has numerous advantages. 
     In one embodiment, each lamp mount  202  has a periphery which is circular in shape. Of course, the mounts  202  might have other configurations/shapes. Preferably, the LEDs encircle the lamp mounts  202  so as to be viewable from all directions ( 360  degrees). 
     In a preferred embodiment, the tower light  200  further comprises an enclosure or housing for the mounts  202  and their associated LEDs  204 . In one embodiment, the tower light  200  includes a base  206 . The base  206  may be constructed from a variety of materials and be various colors or have various attributes such as metallic plating to improve the ornamental appearance thereof. The base  206  may be generally cylindrical in shape. A bottom of the base  206  may be connected to a gaming machine, such as via one or more fasteners. 
     In one embodiment, the housing or enclosure of the tower light  200  further comprises a globe  208 . In a preferred embodiment, the globe  208  comprises a generally a clear (colorless), transparent or translucent body, whereby light emitted by the LEDs  204  can travel through the globe  208  and is visible from the exterior thereof. 
     As illustrated, the globe  208  may comprise a cylindrical, sleeve-like body having a bottom  210  and a top  212 . In this configuration, the body  208  of the globe  208  comprises a cylindrical wall that defines an interior space therein. The bottom  210  of the globe  208  is preferably located in a slot  214  in the base  206  and extends upwardly there from. So connected, the bottom  210  of the globe  208  is generally closed by the base  206  of the tower light  200 . 
     A cap  216  is located at the top  212  of the globe  208 . The cap  216  may be constructed of various materials, but is preferably opaque. The cap  216  may include a slot or groove for accepting the top  212  of the globe  208 , similar to the base  206 . 
     Preferably, the lamp mounts  202  with their associated LEDs  204  are located inside of the enclosure or housing of the tower light  200 . In particular, the lamp mounts  202  are located in the interior of the globe  208 , between the base  206  and cap  216 . 
     In one embodiment, a rod  218  may be provided for connecting the various elements of the tower light  200  and providing stability thereto. As illustrated, the rod  218  may connect at one end to the base  206 . For example, the end of the rod  218  may be threaded for mating engagement with threads located in a mount of the base  206 . The rod  218  may extend generally centrally through the globe  208  and connect at its top end to the cap  216 . Similar to the base  206 , the cap  216  may connect to the rod  218  via engaging threads. 
     In order for the rod  218  to extend through the globe  208 , the rod  218  passes through the mounts  202 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the lamp mounts  202  may each define a generally centrally located opening or passage  220  through which the rod  218  may extend. 
     Additional details of the tower light  200  will be described with reference to  FIG. 3 . As illustrated, in one embodiment, each lamp mount  202  comprises a generally planar circuit board having one or more leads  222 . The LEDs  204  may be mounted to a top of the lamp mount  202  so that connectors of each LED connect to the leads of the lamp mount  202 . 
     In one embodiment, the tower light  200  includes at least one connector. The one or more connectors may comprise a power link and/or a communication or control link to the tower light. In one embodiment, at least one connector  224  is provided for providing power to and/or otherwise controlling each lamp mount  202  and its associated LEDs  204 . For example, a connector  224  comprising a plurality of wires may extend through the rod  218  or next to the rod  218  through the openings  220  in the lamp mounts  206  (so that the connector is not visible when viewing the tower light from the exterior thereof). The connector  224  may connect to the circuits of the lamp mounts  206 . 
     In one embodiment, the connector  224  is configured to also connect to a controller. In embodiment, the connector  224  may have a USB-type connector  226  at one end for connecting to a USB port  228 . This port  226  may be in communication with a controller  228 , such as the peripheral controller or master gaming controller of the gaming machine. 
     In use, as indicated above, the tower light  200  may be associated with a gaming machine. The tower light  200  may be mounted at a top portion of the gaming machine so as to provide the best visibility thereto. 
     Control signals or instructions may be sent from the controller  230  to cause the LEDs  204  associated with the lamp mounts  202  to illuminate. In one embodiment, each LED  204  associated with each lamp mount  202  can be individually controlled. In this manner, each LED  204  can be caused to turn on or off at certain times. By controlling the LEDs  204 , various light patterns or patterns of illumination may be generated. Such light patterns may be used to convey gaming machine state information. For example, in the event of a gaming machine malfunction, the controller  230  may cause all of the LEDs  204  to turn on an off at predetermined intervals, thus creating a “blinking” effect. Other light patterns might be used to convey information to players. For example, the LEDs  204  might be used to generate light which appears as letters (such as spelling words), numbers, or which otherwise creates pleasing patterns. 
     In one embodiment, the LEDs  204  are multi-color, capable of emitting or generating light in more than one color. Thus, in one embodiment, the LEDs may be controlled to emit light in various colors as part of the above conveyance of information. For example, the LEDs might be caused to “blink” in red to denote a game malfunction, and be configured to emit red, white and blue light in sequence as part of a gaming machine “attract” program. 
     The invention may have a variety of configurations. In one embodiment, each lamp mount  202  may have an associated processor or controller for processing control instructions received from the external controller. In another embodiment, the tower light  200  may have one or more processors or controllers for such a purpose. 
     The LEDs may be configured to emit light in various colors. For example, the LEDs may all be configured to emit white light, may be configured to emit different colors of lights (for example, all LEDs associated with each particular lamp mount may be configured to emit a particular color light, and the LEDs of different lamp mounts may be configured to emit different colors of light), and/or the LEDs may each be configured to emit two or more different colors of light. 
     The number of LEDs associated with each lamp mount may vary. Similarly, the number of lamp mounts may vary. In embodiment, there may be  10  lamp mounts with associated LEDs. However, there may be a greater or lesser number, but preferably there are a sufficient number of lamp mounts and associated LEDs to provide a dense matrix of light emitting elements sufficient to present information. 
     The size of the tower light and its shape may vary. As indicated, in a preferred embodiment, the tower light is generally cylindrical in shape. In that configuration, the lamp mounts preferably have a circular shape, as does the globe. However, the tower light could have other shapes, such as square, triangular or the like. 
     Preferably, lamp mounts and globe are sized so that the LEDs are located near the interior of the globe. In this manner, light emitted by the LEDs is effectively transmitted through the globe to the exterior of the tower light. 
     The configuration of the housing of the tower light may vary. For example, portions of the housing might be molded together (such as the cap and globe) or be connected or assembled in other manners than that described above. Further, the housing might comprise additional or other components. 
     The tower light can be controlled in various manners. For example, the tower light may be hard wired to the gaming machine controller (or a back plane thereof or the like), or may utilize other connectors (Ethernet, parallel, RS-232 or the like). Also, the tower light may be provided with separate pathways of electrical power and control. For example, in one embodiment, the tower light may be controlled wirelessly with control instructions, but have a dedicated power connection. 
     While the tower light has particular applicability to a gaming machine, it might be used with other devices or for other purposes. 
     The tower light of the invention has numerous advantages over the prior art. First, most prior art tower lights merely have globes having colored sections which are back-lit, such as a globe with a bottom blue section, a middle white section and a top red section. These tower lights can only display blue, white or red in the sections thereof which are illuminated. It is not possible, however, for such a tower light to convey text, numbers or the like, or to change the color of the various sections thereof. 
     Other tower lights have been configured with LEDs. However, these tower lights may simply have a top portion and a bottom portion with scattered LEDs. In this configuration, each half of the tower light can be configured to illuminate its LEDs, again simply illuminating portions of the tower light. 
     One advantage of the invention is a tower light having a plurality of stacked lamp mounts having associated individually controllable LEDs. The LEDs are arranged so that they are aligned in rows and columns forming a matrix. In the configuration of the invention, each LED is individually controllable, permitting discrete illumination of individual areas, rather than just top or bottom portions (for example, LEDs on either side of a bottom portion of the tower light may be illuminated in accordance with the present invention, while LEDs there between are not). 
     Further, the individual control of the LEDs and their arrangement into a square matrix or array permits the LEDs to be selectively illuminated to produce images of letters, numbers or the like. This is provides significant advantages over the prior art where the tower light can only be illuminated in general areas. For example, the tower light of the present invention could be configured to display a scrolling message like “J-A-C-K-P-O-T” or a variety of other messages, images or animation, which prior art devices are not capable of producing. 
     Another advantage of the invention is that the LEDs are arranged around the circular periphery of the tower light, rather than merely in a vertical plane facing in one direction. In this manner, information can be provided from all sides of the tower light, and different information may be displayed by different areas around the tower light. 
     It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the method there from are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.