Gaming machine with proximity-sensitive input device

Abstract

A gaming device includes a proximity-sensitive input device that receives input from a gaming patron based upon placement of an object near the input device but without necessarily touching the input device. In an embodiment, the input device is behind a plate of glass. In another embodiment, the proximity-sensitive input device includes a projected-capacitance sensor grid.

1 . A gaming machine comprising: 
 a processor circuit to administer a wagering game;    a layer of dielectric material having an outer surface; and    a proximity-sensitive input device including a proximity sensor to detect through the layer of dielectric material an object proximate the outer surface of the layer, the proximity-sensitive input device communicatively coupled to the processor circuit, wherein the proximity-sensitive input device is configured to receive an input relating to the wagering game.    
   
   
       2 . The gaming machine of  claim 1 , wherein the gaming machine includes a mechanical stepper reel that is visible through the layer of dielectric material and the proximity-sensitive input device.  
   
   
       3 . The gaming machine of  claim 1 , wherein the proximity-sensitive input device includes a projected-capacitance sensor system.  
   
   
       4 . The gaming machine of  claim 3 , wherein the projected-capacitance sensor system includes a multiplicity of conductors laminated between layers of flexible dielectric material to form a proximity-sensitive film, the proximity-sensitive film proximate an inner surface of the layer of dielectric material.  
   
   
       5 . The gaming machine of  claim 1 , wherein the proximity-sensitive input device includes conductors integrated into the layer of dielectric material.  
   
   
       6 . The gaming machine of  claim 1 , wherein the gaming device further includes an electronic display communicatively coupled to the processing unit to display a result of the wagering game that is visible through the layer of dielectric material.  
   
   
       7 . The gaming machine of  claim 6 , wherein a portion of the display device presents an option relating to the wagering game visible through the layer of dielectric material, the processor configured to receive an input from the proximity-sensitive input device based upon detection of an object proximate a region of the proximity-sensitive input device that extends over the portion of the display device that presents the option relating to the wagering game.  
   
   
       8 . The gaming machine of  claim 6 , further comprising at least one marking on the layer of dielectric material identifying a region of the projected capacitance sensor grid and an option associated with the region, the option selectable by placing an object proximate the region identified by the marking.  
   
   
       9 . The gaming machine of  claim 8 , wherein the display device has an outer perimeter, the region of the proximity-sensitive input device associated with the option located outside the outer perimeter of the display device.  
   
   
       10 . The gaming machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a light tower including a light source and a layer of dielectric material extending around the light source, the proximity-sensitive input device positioned between the light source and the layer of dielectric material, and the input relating to the wagering game includes an input that changes the color of the light tower to indicate a parameter of the game.  
   
   
       11 . The gaming machine of  claim 1 , wherein the display device includes a volumetric three-dimensional display and the proximity-sensitive input device is configured to sense an object proximate the volumetric three-dimensional display.  
   
   
       12 . The gaming machine of  claim 11 , wherein the volumetric three-dimensional display includes a rotating projection surface and a transparent layer extending around the rotating projection surface, the proximity-sensitive input device proximate an inner surface of the transparent layer.  
   
   
       13 . A gaming machine comprising: 
 means for displaying information relating to a wagering game;    a layer of dielectric material having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface facing the means for displaying information;    means for sensing an object proximate the outer surface of the layer of dielectric material to receive an input relating to the wagering game;    means for administering a wagering game in response to the input relating to the wagering game, the means for administering the wagering game communicatively coupled to the means for displaying information relating to the wagering game.    
   
   
       14 . The gaming machine of  claim 13 , wherein the means for displaying information relating to a wagering game includes a mechanical stepper reel, the layer of dielectric material includes a layer of glass, and the means for sensing an object proximate the outer surface of the layer of dielectric material includes a projected capacitance sensor system.  
   
   
       15 . The gaming machine of  claim 13 , wherein the means for displaying a result of the wagering game includes an electronic display device and the means for administering the wagering game includes a processing circuit configured to present information relating to the wagering game on the display device.  
   
   
       16 . The gaming machine of  claim 13 , wherein the means for administering the wagering game includes a mechanical slot machine including mechanical reels, the means for displaying information relating to the wagering game including external surfaces of the mechanical reels.  
   
   
       17 . A method comprising: 
 mounting a slot machine display device in an interior of a cabinet;    coupling a projected capacitance sensor system to an inner surface of a layer of dielectric material; and    coupling the layer of dielectric material to the cabinet, the inner surface of the layer of dielectric material facing the slot machine display device, wherein the projected capacitance sensor system is configured to receive an input through the layer of dielectric material.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the slot machine display device includes a mechanical stepper reel.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the slot machine display device includes an electronic display device.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the projected capacitance sensor system is coupled to the layer of dielectric material before the layer of dielectric material is coupled to the cabinet.