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

Abstract

A gaming machine comprises a universal presentation platform configured to accept a variety of gaming devices. The presentation platform comprises a cabinet, a universal gamine device interface and standardized components. In one embodiment, the cabinet is modular and is assembled from base, side, top, back and door components or sections. The gaming device comprises a housing containing a gaming controller and associated electronics. The gaming device is stand-alone, and is capable of use in different gaming machines and is independently verifiable. Other aspects of the invention comprise a grounding configuration for a gaming cabinet and gaming device and gaming machine air flow paths for cooling the machine components, including the gaming device.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 732,043, filed Oct. 31, 2005.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to gaming machines and, particularly, gaming machines configured to present wagering-type games.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]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.[0004]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 displa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]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.

[0015]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.

Problems solved by technology

There are numerous problems when considering the cost of manufacturing and developing these 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.

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.

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