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Gaming machine comprising universal presentation platform configured to accept different gaming devices

Gaming machine comprising universal presentation platform configured to accept different gaming devices description/claims

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/732,043, filed Oct. 31, 2005.

The present invention relates to gaming machines and, particularly, gaming machines configured to present wagering-type games.

A variety of configurations of gaming machines configured to present wagering games are well known. For example, one early gaming machine was the mechanical slot machine. This machine accepted coins and had spinning reels.

A variety of newer electronic and electro-mechanical gaming machines have been developed. For example, slot machines now often include mechanical reels which are controlled by electric motors, which motors are themselves controlled by a computing device or electronic controller. In addition, video gaming devices have been developed which are configured to present game information electronically via one or more electronically-controlled displays.

There are numerous problems when considering the cost of manufacturing and developing these gaming machines. First, each machine is generally designed to present a specific game. The machine includes a secure cabinet which contains the game machine components. Generally, the cabinet is configured as a solid box.

In addition, the circuitry for each machine is generally specific to the particular machine. For example, the configuration of the controller, wiring and peripheral devices for a slot machine varies greatly from the configuration of a video gaming machine. This requires that a tremendous number of components be manufacture and assembled, in a variety of configurations, to create the variety of different gaming machines.

Because the gaming machines are assembled into a particular configuration, they are large and thus are not well-suited to being transported. Also, these particularly configured gaming machines are not suited for use in presenting other games. For example, a casino may purchase a gaming machine for many thousands of dollars. If the popularity of the game wanes, however, the gaming machine is not suited to presenting other games because the circuitry of the gaming machine is specific to the original game.

One aspect of the invention is a gaming machine comprising a universal presentation platform and a gaming device. Other aspects of the invention are methods of manufacturing, using and assembling the gaming machine of the invention.

In one embodiment, the presentation platform comprises a cabinet having a universal gaming device interface. In a preferred embodiment, the cabinet is modular.

In one configuration of a modular cabinet, the cabinet has a base, first and second sides, a back, a top and a front or door. These components are configured to be connected to one another using simple connectors and using simple tools, such as by the purchaser of the cabinet. In one embodiment, the components are connected with threaded fasteners which extend through apertures in the components, such as at outwardly extending flanges thereof. The fasteners may be studs which extend out from one component towards another, bolts/screws or the like.

The base of the cabinet preferably rests upon a platform, whereby the connected sides, back and door are supported by the base independent of the platform or other support surface, ensuring the integrity of the cabinet. The mechanical connection of the components ensures efficient grounding of the cabinet and associated cabinets from electrical shock.

The universal presentation platform also includes a number of standard features for use in presenting a game, such one or more displays (such as LCD, LED, spinning reels and other types of information displays), a coin comparitor, coin hopper, bill validator, lights and other features, including associated wiring. In one embodiment, these electrical components are associated with one of the components of the cabinet, such as the back or door, in a manner permitting them to be independently tested and shipped as individual components. The universal gaming device interface comprises a standard connection between various electrical components of the presentation platform and different gaming devices.

The gaming device comprises a housing and at least a gaming machine controller. Preferably, the housing contains other game control and verification components, such as meters, a player tracking controller, bonusing controller or the like. The gaming device may have a variety of configurations, such as where the controller is configured as a unique game board or is a PC-type controller. The gaming device housing is preferably lockable and configured to engage the gaming device in a manner ensuring grounding of the housing to the cabinet. In a preferred embodiment, the gaming device is independently verifiable (such as by appropriate gaming regulators) from the platform.

The invention includes a number of additional configurations of gaming machines/cabinets, including an air flow cooling path, air filtering and the like.

The invention has numerous advantages. A particular advantage to the invention is that different gaming devices can be used with any universal presentation platform. In fact, gaming devices can be installed, removed, and switched/swapped to and from particular or different presentation platforms.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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