Ergonomic gaming machine having electromechanical reels

Abstract

A new ergonomic game cabinet with a unique layout is disclosed. The gaming machine cabinet includes a display mounted nearly vertically, combined with a player deck extending towards a player having more space at a more useful angle than previously available. The player deck will have open space usable by a player for small items (wallets, purses, chips, etc.), a player device area (typically buttons), and then a further area where a player can rest their arms, wrists, or elbows and comfortably reach the player device area. This further area may also be used for small player items, such as chips, tickets, etc. In addition, the new cabinet provides side panels on each side of the gaming machine cabinet that creates a feeling of being “surrounded” by the game experience due to reduced noise and visual distractions from nearby gaming machines, other patrons, waitrons, and the like. A version of the cabinet including electromechanical reels is also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of provisional application 60 / 915,400, filed May 1, 2007. This application is also a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 225,827, filed Sep. 12, 2005, which claims the benefit of provisional application 60 / 685,157, filed May 27, 2005.[0002]This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ entitled “NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM WITH ERGONOMIC GAMING MACHINE HAVING ELECTROMECHANICAL REELS,” filed on Apr. 30, 2008, which claims the benefit of provisional application 60 / 915,400 filed on May 1, 2007 and is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 225,827, filed Sep. 12, 2005, which claims the benefit of provisional application 60 / 685,157, filed May 27, 2005.[0003]This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ entitled “METHOD OF PROVIDING AN ERGONOMIC GAMING MACHI...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]In addition to the player deck having enough depth to properly distance the player's eyes from the monitor and to allow comfortable resting of body parts on the player deck, side panels are provided that block peripheral vision and some noise. The side panels may also be used to channel sound from the gaming machine, further engulfing a player in the gaming experience.

[0017]The side panels and player deck also provide security for personal items not previously found in gaming machines. When personal items are placed within the playing area, it becomes more difficult for a passerby to casually take personal items from a player. To take a personal item on the player deck and between the side panels will pose a greater difficulty for a potential thief seeking to steal from the player. This will effectively discourage subtle or passive thieving. Additionally, the partially enclosed design provides players with a feeling of ownership of their own personal area and a more secure setting for the entry of PIN codes and handling of money, making it more difficult for casual observers to discern players entering PIN codes and the like.

Problems solved by technology

When personal items are placed within the playing area, it becomes more difficult for a passerby to casually take personal items from a player.

To take a personal item on the player deck and between the side panels will pose a greater difficulty for a potential thief seeking to steal from the player.

Additionally, the partially enclosed design provides players with a feeling of ownership of their own personal area and a more secure setting for the entry of PIN codes and handling of money, making it more difficult for casual observers to discern players entering PIN codes and the like.

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