Gaming machine and button cover assembly for use with gaming machines

Abstract

A gaming machine and a cover assembly for use with the gaming machine is described herein. The gaming machine includes a plurality of input buttons that are coupled to a cabinet assembly. The cover assembly includes a cover that is coupled to the cabinet assembly and oriented with respect to at least one button of the plurality of buttons. The cover is movable between a first position wherein the cover at least partially encapsulates the at least one input button, and a second position wherein the cover does not encapsulate the input button such that the input button is accessible by a player of the gaming machine.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 365,551, filed Feb. 3, 2012, entitled Systems and Methods for Confirming Assistance Requests in Electronic Gaming Machines, which is incorporated herein by reference. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 473,181 filed Apr. 8, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 505,695, filed Jul. 8, 2011, which are each incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to gaming machines, and more particularly, to a cover assembly for use with a gaming machine.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]At least some known gaming machines include a cabinet assembly, a display that is coupled to the cabinet assembly for displaying a game, and a plurality of input buttons that are coupled to the cabinet assembly to enable a player to play the game displa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a cover assembly for a gaming machine that can be used to encapsulate the input buttons of the machine. The cover is movable between a first position where it encapsulates the button and a second position where it does not. The cover assembly includes a support assembly that is attached to the cabinet of the gaming machine. The cover has a top wall and a sidewall that defines a cavity for the button. The cover can be used to encapsulate the button for protection or to make the button accessible for play. The cover assembly is designed to improve the user experience and provide a more interactive game. The invention also includes a service request signal actuator, service request data interface, and a service request indicator for the gaming machine. The service request data interface can establish an input based on a player selected portion of the display. The cover assembly and the methods for confirming a service request described in the invention enhance the player experience and improve the performance of the gaming machine."

Problems solved by technology

One problem with this is that the sensitivity of the buttons and their convenient placement often leads to certain buttons being inadvertently or accidentally pressed.

In addition, the player may accidentally press or activate the “service” button requiring a technician to be dispatched even though no service is required.

Moreover, as a player continues to play the games, they often get excited and over push or inadvertently push / energize the Service Call button.

While there are many legitimate reasons for requesting assistance, players will often falsely press the service button, either accidentally or through a misunderstanding of its intended use.

It should be readily apparent that false requests result in a significant amount of wasted time and effort by casino personnel.

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