Integral ergonomic gaming terminal

Abstract

An ergonomic adjustable “integral” gaming terminal configured to comfortably surround the player and provide audio isolation from the surroundings. The position and orientation of the various ergonomic elements including the sound volume and video brightness are computer controlled and memorized together with the player profile. A signal may be activated to allow ease of sitting-in and exiting the gaming terminal. Embodiments of the invention accommodate two or more seated players to play as a couple or as a team. The terminal includes body-relaxing devices such as back massage, leg massage and foot massage as well as soothing audio that are available while the player is playing games. Some entertainment and information services may be activated for an additional fee, if a bonus or quota is attained or according to a promotional scheme.

1 . An integral gaming terminal for wagering on games, the integral gaming terminal being ergonomically configured to accommodate a seated player and comprising: 
 a frame;    a first display fitted to the frame, the first display having at least one screen;    a seat fitted to the frame;    a payment accepting and/or dispensing device;    a game wagering controller for controlling the wagering on the games;    game interaction devices for enabling the player to interact with the games;    a sound generator for generating sound, and    means, coupled to the sound generator, for delivering sound to the player close to the seated player's ears.    
     
     
         2 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 1 , wherein the sound delivering means is fitted to the frame.  
     
     
         3 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 1 , wherein the sound delivering means is fitted to the seat.  
     
     
         4 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 3 , wherein the sound delivering means is fitted above the seat.  
     
     
         5 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is a generally U-shaped armature having a bottom end, a first top end and a second top end, the bottom end being configured to rest on or to be attached to a floor surface; the first display being fitted near the first top end, the seat being fitted near the second top end.  
     
     
         6 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 5 , wherein the sound delivering means is fitted to the frame near the second top end and above the seat.  
     
     
         7 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 1 , further comprising an integral armrest fitted to the frame.  
     
     
         8 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 1 , further comprising an integral armrest fitted to the seat.  
     
     
         9 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 1 , wherein the payment accepting and/or dispensing device is fitted to the frame.  
     
     
         10 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 1 , wherein the payment accepting and/or dispensing device is fitted to the seat.  
     
     
         11 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 1 , further comprising a second display fitted to one of the frame and the seat, the second display enabling the player to view predetermined TV channels or video streams.  
     
     
         12 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 11 , wherein the seat further comprises an armrest and the second display is attached to the armrest.  
     
     
         13 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 1 , wherein the sound generator is configured to generate and the sound delivering means is configured to deliver at least one of: 
 audio feedback while gaming or navigating through gaming options;    game operator messages or announcements;    prerecorded sound or music selected by the player via an interface;    audio streaming, and    soothing sounds.    
     
     
         14 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 1 , wherein the sound generator includes means for active sound cancellation to isolate the player from surrounding noise.  
     
     
         15 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 1 , wherein the sound generator includes means for passive noise cancellation to isolate the player from surrounding noise.  
     
     
         16 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 1 , further including means for isolating the player from surrounding light.  
     
     
         17 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 16 , wherein the light isolating means includes one of: 
 an orientable opaque or tinted panel, and    a drop down filtering visor or goggles to isolate the player from surrounding light.    
     
     
         18 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 1 , further comprising ergonomic adjustment means coupled to at least one of: the first display, the seat, the cash accepting and dispensing device, the game interaction devices and the sound delivering means.  
     
     
         19 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 18 , wherein the ergonomic adjustment means includes at least one of mechanical adjustment means, motorized adjustments means, tilt/rotation adjustments means, computer controlled adjustment means, remotely controlled adjustments means controllable via a joystick or a touch screen, and means for adjusting ergonomic parameters according to pre-stored user parameter profiles.  
     
     
         20 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 18 , wherein the ergonomic adjustment means includes predetermined configuration settings to facilitate the player sitting in and standing up from the integral gaming terminal.  
     
     
         21 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 1 , wherein the game wagering controller further comprise means for allowing the player secure access to PC functions according to a predetermined scheme.  
     
     
         22 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 21 , wherein the predetermined scheme includes at least one of a gaming quota, pay per use, a promotion and a bonus.  
     
     
         23 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 21 , wherein the PC functions include at least one of Internet browsing, email access, instant messaging, stock market, music playing, video playing, video conferencing and travel and entertainment bookings.  
     
     
         24 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 1 , further comprising massaging means for massaging the player.  
     
     
         25 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 24 , wherein the massaging means includes at least one of means for massaging the player's back, means for massaging the player's arms, means for massaging the player's leg and/or foot.  
     
     
         26 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 24 , wherein the massaging means includes at least one of thumbing means, vibrating means, rolling means, kneading means, percussion means, and means for applying therapeutic compression.  
     
     
         27 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 1 , further comprising an adjustable footrest fitted to one of the chair and the frame.  
     
     
         28 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 1 , wherein the game interaction devices include an adjustable console that includes at least one of play buttons and a joystick.  
     
     
         29 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 1 , wherein the game wagering controller is configured to communicate with a central computer system via a network.  
     
     
         30 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 1 , wherein the game wagering controller is configured to communicate with other gaming terminals via a network.  
     
     
         31 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 1 , further comprising a communication device configured to enable instant personal communication with participating players on other gaming terminals.  
     
     
         32 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 31 , wherein the communication device is configured to implement at least one of text messaging, a personal contact list, voice communication, webcam communication and photo transfer and a personal calendar for organizing contact time and gaming events.  
     
     
         33 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 1 , wherein the sound generator includes audio input means to enable the sound delivering means to deliver audio from a personal audio player.  
     
     
         34 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 33 , wherein the audio input means is configured for wireless operation.  
     
     
         35 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 33 , wherein the audio input means is configured for wired operation.  
     
     
         36 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 1 , further including a signal generator configured to generate a signal when a seated player has not placed a wager for a predetermined amount of time.  
     
     
         37 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 36 , wherein the signal generator is configured to at least one of send the generated signal to a central computer system, send the generated signal to a floor manager of a casino, and communicate to the player to inform the player that services available on the gaming terminal are reserved for active players.  
     
     
         38 . An integral gaming terminal for wagering on games, the integral gaming terminal being ergonomically configured to accommodate at least two seated participating players and comprising: 
 a frame;    a first display fitted to the frame, the first display having at least one screen;    a seat fitted to the frame for each of the at least two participating players;    a payment accepting and/or dispensing device;    a game wagering controller for controlling wagering on the games, the game wagering controller being configured to operate as if the at least two seated participating players are one player;    game interaction devices to enable the at least one player to interact with the games;    a sound generator for generating sound, and    means for delivering sound coupled to the sound generator, the sound delivering means being disposed substantially close to at least one of the two seated participating player's ears.    
     
     
         39 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 38 , wherein the game interaction devices include a bet button for placing a bet, and wherein the game interaction devices are configured to enable the at least two participating players to press the bet button according to one of a plurality of pre-selected modes.  
     
     
         40 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 39 , wherein the plurality of pre-selected modes includes a first to press mode, a turn taking mode and a random mode in which the next player allowed to activate the bet button is randomly selected.  
     
     
         41 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 38 , wherein the game interaction devices and the game wagering controller are configured to identify each of the at least two participating player symbolically or by name and to track and display a game performance of each of the at least two participating players.  
     
     
         42 . The integral gaming terminal of claim of  claim 38 , wherein the sound delivering means is fitted to the frame.  
     
     
         43 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 38 , wherein the sound delivering means is fitted to each seat.  
     
     
         44 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 43 , wherein the sound delivering means is fitted above each seat.  
     
     
         45 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 38 , wherein the frame is a generally U-shaped armature having a bottom end, a first top end and a second top end, the bottom end being configured to rest on or to be attached to a floor surface; the first display being fitted near the first top end, the seat being fitted near the second top end.  
     
     
         46 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 45 , wherein the sound delivering means is fitted to the frame near the second top end and above the seat.  
     
     
         47 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 38 , further comprising at least one integral armrest fitted to the frame or fitted to each seat.  
     
     
         48 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 38 , wherein the payment accepting and/or dispensing device is fitted to the frame.  
     
     
         49 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 38 , wherein the payment accepting and/or dispensing device is fitted to one of the seats.  
     
     
         50 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 38 , further comprising a second display fitted to one of the frame and one of the seats, the second display enabling each of the at least two participating players to view predetermined TV channels or video streams.  
     
     
         51 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 50 , wherein at least one of the seats further comprises an armrest and wherein the second display is attached to the armrest.  
     
     
         52 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 38 , wherein the sound generator is configured to generate and the sound delivering means is configured to deliver at least one of: 
 audio feedback while gaming or navigating through gaming options;    game operator messages or announcements;    prerecorded sound or music selected by the player via an interface;    audio streaming, and    soothing sounds.    
     
     
         53 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 38 , wherein the sound generator includes means for active sound cancellation to isolate the player from surrounding noise.  
     
     
         54 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 38 , wherein the sound generator includes means for passive noise cancellation to isolate the player from surrounding noise.  
     
     
         55 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 38 , further including means for isolating the player from surrounding light.  
     
     
         56 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 55 , wherein the isolating means includes one of: 
 an orientable opaque or tinted panel, and    a drop down filtering visor or goggles.    
     
     
         57 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 38 , further comprising ergonomic adjustment means coupled to at least one of: the first display, the seat, the cash accepting and dispensing device, the game interaction devices and the sound delivering means.  
     
     
         58 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 57 , wherein the ergonomic adjustment means includes at least one of mechanical adjustment means, motorized adjustments means, tilt/rotation adjustments means, computer controlled adjustment means, remotely controlled adjustments means controllable via a joystick or a touch screen, and means for adjusting ergonomic parameters according to pre-stored user parameter profiles.  
     
     
         59 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 57 , wherein the ergonomic adjustment means includes predetermined configuration settings to facilitate the player sitting in and standing up from the integral gaming terminal.  
     
     
         60 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 38 , wherein the game wagering controller further comprise means for allowing the player secure access to PC functions according to a predetermined scheme.  
     
     
         61 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 60 , wherein the predetermined scheme includes at least one of a gaming quota, pay per use, a promotion and a bonus.  
     
     
         62 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 60 , wherein the PC functions include at least one of Internet browsing, email access, instant messaging, stock market, music playing, video playing, video conferencing and travel & entertainment bookings.  
     
     
         63 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 38 , further comprising massaging means for massaging the player.  
     
     
         64 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 63 , wherein the massaging means includes at least one of means for massaging the player's back, means for massaging the player's arms, means for massaging the player's leg and/or foot.  
     
     
         65 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 63 , wherein the massaging means includes at least one of thumbing means, vibrating means, rolling means, kneading means, percussion means, and means for applying therapeutic compression.  
     
     
         66 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 38 , further comprising an adjustable footrest configured to be fitted to one of each chair and the frame.  
     
     
         67 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 38 , wherein the game interaction devices include an adjustable console that includes at least one of play buttons and a joystick.  
     
     
         68 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 38 , wherein the game wagering controller is configured to communicate with a central computer system via a network.  
     
     
         69 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 38 , wherein the game wagering controller is configured to communicate with other gaming terminals via a network.  
     
     
         70 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 38 , further comprising a communication device configured to enable instant personal communication with participating players on other gaming terminals.  
     
     
         71 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 70 , wherein the communication device is configured to implement at least one of text messaging, a personal contact list, voice communication, webcam communication and photo transfer and a personal calendar for organizing contact time and gaming events.  
     
     
         72 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 38 , wherein the sound generator includes audio input means to enable the sound delivering means to deliver audio from a personal audio player.  
     
     
         73 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 72 , wherein the audio input means is configured for wireless operation.  
     
     
         74 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 72 , wherein the audio input means is configured for wired operation.  
     
     
         75 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 38 , further including a signal generator configured to generate a signal when a seated player has not placed a wager for a predetermined amount of time.  
     
     
         76 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 75 , wherein the signal generator is configured to at least one of send the generated signal to a central computer system, send the generated signal to a floor manager of a casino, and communicate to the player to inform the player that services available on the gaming terminal are reserved for active players.  
     
     
         77 . An integral gaming terminal for wagering on games, the integral gaming terminal being ergonomically configured to accommodate at least two seated participating players and comprising: 
 a frame;    a first display fitted to the frame, the first display having at least one screen;    a seat fitted to the frame for each of the at least two participating players;    a payment accepting and/or dispensing device;    a game wagering controller for controlling wagering on the games, the game wagering controller being configured to operate as if the at least two seated participating players are one player;    game interaction devices to enable the at least one player to interact with the games;    a sound generator for generating sound, and    means for delivering sound coupled to the sound generator.    
     
     
         78 . A network of at least two gaming terminals for wagering on games, each of the at least two gaming terminals being ergonomically configured to accommodate at least one seated participating player, and each gaming terminal comprising: 
 a frame;    a first display fitted to the frame, the first display having at least one screen;    a seat fitted to the frame for each of the at least two participating players;    a payment accepting and/or dispensing device;    a game wagering controller for controlling wagering on the games;    a communication device configured to enable communication between the at least two gaming terminals, the communication device being configured for at least one of data, voice, and video communication;    game interaction devices to enable interaction with the games;    a sound generator for generating sound, and    means, coupled to the sound generator, for delivering sound, the sound delivering means being disposed substantially close to at least one of the participating player's ears.    
     
     
         79 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , wherein the game interaction devices and the game wagering controller are configured to allow all of the participating players playing at each of the at least two gaming terminals to be considered a unique player.  
     
     
         80 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , wherein the game interaction devices includes a bet button for placing a bet, and wherein the game interacting devices are configured to enable the at least two participating players to press the bet button according to one of a plurality of pre-selected modes.  
     
     
         81 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 80 , wherein the plurality of pre-selected modes including a first to press mode, a turn taking mode and a random mode in which the next player to be allowed to activate the bet button is randomly selected.  
     
     
         82 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 81  wherein the game interaction devices and the game wagering controller are configured to identify each of the at least two participating player symbolically or by name and to track and display a game performance of each of the at least two participating players.  
     
     
         83 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , wherein the sound delivering means is fitted to the frame.  
     
     
         84 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , wherein the sound delivering means is fitted to the seat.  
     
     
         85 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 84 , wherein the sound delivering means is fitted above the seat.  
     
     
         86 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , wherein the frame is a generally U-shaped armature having a bottom end, a first top end and a second top end, the bottom end being configured to rest on or to be attached to a floor surface; the first display being fitted near the first top end, the seat being fitted near the second top end.  
     
     
         87 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 86 , wherein the sound delivering means is fitted to the frame near the second top end and above the seat.  
     
     
         88 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , further comprising an integral armrest fitted to the frame or to the seat.  
     
     
         81 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 80 , wherein the plurality of pre-selected modes including a first to press mode, a turn taking mode and a random mode in which the next player to be allowed to activate the bet button is randomly selected.  
     
     
         82 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 81  wherein the game interaction devices and the game wagering controller are configured to identify each of the at least two participating player symbolically or by name and to track and display a game performance of each of the at least two participating players.  
     
     
         83 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , wherein the sound delivering means is fitted to the frame.  
     
     
         84 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , wherein the sound delivering means is fitted to the seat.  
     
     
         85 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 84 , wherein the sound delivering means is fitted above the seat.  
     
     
         86 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , wherein the frame is a generally U-shaped armature having a bottom end, a first top end and a second top end, the bottom end being configured to rest on or to be attached to a floor surface; the first display being fitted near the first top end, the seat being fitted near the second top end.  
     
     
         87 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 86 , wherein the sound delivering means is fitted to the frame near the second top end and above the seat.  
     
     
         88 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , further comprising an integral armrest fitted to the frame or to the seat.  
     
     
         89 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , wherein the payment accepting and/or dispensing device is fitted to the frame.  
     
     
         90 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , wherein the payment accepting and/or dispensing device is fitted to the seat.  
     
     
         91 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , further comprising a second display fitted to one of the frame and the seat, the second display enabling the player to view predetermined TV channels or video streams.  
     
     
         92 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 91 , wherein the seat further comprises an armrest and the second display is attached to the armrest.  
     
     
         93 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , wherein the sound generator is configured to deliver at least one of: 
 audio feedback while gaming or navigating through gaming options;    game operator messages or announcements;    prerecorded sound or music selected by the player via an interface;    audio streaming, and    soothing sounds.    
     
     
         94 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , wherein the sound generator includes active sound cancellation means for isolating the player from surrounding noise.  
     
     
         95 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , wherein the sound generator includes passive sound cancellation means for isolating the player from surrounding noise.  
     
     
         96 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , further comprising means for isolating the player from surrounding light.  
     
     
         97 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 96 , wherein the light isolating means includes one of: 
 an orientable opaque or tinted panel, and    a drop down filtering visor or goggles.    
     
     
         98 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , further comprising ergonomic adjustment means coupled to at least one of: the first display, the seat, the cash accepting and dispensing device, the game interaction devices and the sound delivering means.  
     
     
         99 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 98 , wherein the ergonomic adjustment means includes at least one of mechanical adjustment means, motorized adjustments means, tilt/rotation adjustments means, computer controlled adjustment means, remotely controlled adjustments means controllable via a joystick or a touch screen, and means for adjusting ergonomic parameters according to pre-stored user parameter profiles.  
     
     
         100 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 98 , wherein the ergonomic adjustment means includes predetermined configuration settings to facilitate the player sitting in and standing up from the integral gaming terminal.  
     
     
         101 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , wherein the game wagering controller further comprise means for allowing the player secure access to PC functions according to a predetermined scheme.  
     
     
         102 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 101 , wherein the predetermined scheme includes at least one of a gaming quota, pay per use, a promotion and a bonus.  
     
     
         103 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 101 , wherein the PC functions include at least one of Internet browsing, email access, instant messaging, stock market, music playing, video playing, video conferencing and travel & entertainment bookings.  
     
     
         104 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , further comprising massaging means for massaging the player.  
     
     
         105 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 104 , wherein the massaging means includes at least one of means for massaging the player's back, means for massaging the player's arms, means for massaging the player's leg and/or foot.  
     
     
         106 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 104 , wherein the massaging means includes at least one of thumbing means, vibrating means, rolling means, kneading means, percussion means, and means for applying therapeutic compression.  
     
     
         107 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , further comprising an adjustable footrest fitted to the chair or to the frame.  
     
     
         108 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , wherein the game interaction devices include an adjustable console that includes at least one of play buttons and a joystick.  
     
     
         109 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , wherein the game wagering controller is configured to communicate with a central computer system via a network.  
     
     
         110 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , wherein the game wagering controller is configured to communicate with other gaming terminals via a network.  
     
     
         111 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , wherein the communication device is configured to implement at least one of text messaging, a personal contact list, voice communication, webcam communication and photo transfer and a personal calendar for organizing contact time and gaming events.  
     
     
         112 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , wherein the sound generator includes audio input means to enable the sound delivering means to deliver audio from a personal audio player.  
     
     
         113 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 112  wherein the audio input means is configured for wireless operation.  
     
     
         114 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 112 , wherein the audio input means is configured for wired operation.  
     
     
         115 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 78 , further including a signal generator configured to generate a signal when a seated player has not placed a wager for a predetermined amount of time.  
     
     
         116 . The integral gaming terminal of  claim 115 , wherein the signal generator is configured to at least one of send the generated signal to a central computer system, send the generated signal to a floor manager of a casino, and communicate to the player to inform the player that services available on the gaming terminal are reserved for active players.  
     
     
         117 . A network of at least two gaming terminals for wagering on games, each of the at least two gaming terminals being ergonomically configured to accommodate at least one seated participating player, and each gaming terminal comprising: 
 a frame;    a first display fitted to the frame, the first display having at least one screen;    a seat fitted to the frame for each of the at least two participating players;    a payment accepting and/or dispensing device;    a game wagering controller for controlling wagering on the games;    a communication device configured to enable communication between the at least two gaming terminals, the communication device being configured for at least one of data, voice, and video communication;    game interaction devices to enable interaction with the games;    a sound generator for generating sound, and    means, coupled to the sound generator, for delivering sound.