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  Gaming machineRelated Patent Categories: Amusement Devices: Games, Including Means For Processing Electronic Data (e.g., Computer/video Game, Etc.), Player-actuated Control Structure (e.g., Brain-wave Or Body Signal, Bar-code Wand, Foot Pedal, Etc.)Gaming machine description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060205504, Gaming machine. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Applications No. 2005-013995 and No. 2005-013996 both filed on Jan. 21, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a movable control panel. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] For the purpose of providing a player with improved usability, it is desired that a control panel of a gaming machine can be moved so as to be easily used by a player. Known are a technique for opening and closing an electric panel of an in-vehicle audio equipment (see Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 2003-72477), a technique for adjusting an angle of a key input portion of an automatic cash transaction machine (see Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 2002-32833), a technique for moving an armrest (see Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 2000-254349), etc., and it may be possible to apply these technique to a control panel of a gaming machine. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] A control panel of a gaming machine is continuously used during a game. Accordingly, a control panel, which is moved to a position where a player can easily use it prior to playing a game, needs to be fixed in order not to hinder a game operation during the game. However, an electric panel of an in-vehicle audio equipment, a key input portion of an automatic cash transaction machine, and an armrest are different from a control panel in that they need not to be fixed. Therefore, application of the aforementioned techniques to a control panel can hinder a game operation, because the control panel is not fixed even during a game. [0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine having a control panel which can be moved without hindering a game operation. [0008] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine comprising a game medium detecting unit, a credit value memory, a storage unit, a game control unit, a plurality of switching unit, a control panel, a cabinet, a movement mechanism, a blocking unit, and an unlocking unit. The game medium detecting unit outputs a detection signal upon detection of a game medium which is served as a charge for a game. The credit value memory stores a credit value which is calculated out by adding a predetermined value in accordance with a detection signal outputted from the game medium detecting unit and at the same time subtracting a predetermined value when a game is started. The storage unit stores a game program. The game control unit controls progress of a game based on the game program stored in the storage unit. The plurality of switching unit are connected to the game control unit. On the control panel, the plurality of switching unit are arranged. The cabinet is mounted with the control panel. The movement mechanism enables the control panel to move relative to the cabinet. The blocking unit blocks movement of the control panel through the movement mechanism. The unlocking unit unlocks the blocking by the blocking unit against movement of the control panel, when a credit value stored in the credit value memory is not less than one and no game is in progress. [0009] In this aspect, the control panel can be moved only when a credit value is not less than one and no game is in progress, and during a game the blocking unit makes the control panel immovable. Thus, the control panel can be moved into a position desirable for a player without hindering a game operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: [0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine according to a first embodiment of a gaming machine of the present invention; [0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine illustrated in FIG. 1, having its slide table fully housed in a cabinet; [0013] FIG. 3 is a local sectional view showing the slide table and a slide mechanism that enables the slide table to slide relative to the cabinet; [0014] FIG. 4 is a local sectional view in a state where the slide table illustrated in FIG. 3 is fully housed in the cabinet; [0015] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a control panel that is provided on the slide table; [0016] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control unit of the slot machine; [0017] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a liquid-crystal drive circuit of a display; [0018] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing columns of symbols, which are variably displayed on video reels during a base game; [0019] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing winning combinations and payout numbers therefor; [0020] FIG. 10 shows stop areas of five video reels; Continue reading about Gaming machine... Full patent description for Gaming machine Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Gaming machine patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Gaming machine or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Game machine, game system, control method for the game machine, control method for the game system and program Next Patent Application: Wireless game controller with integrated audio system Industry Class: Amusement devices: games ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Gaming machine patent info. 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