Gaming machine

Abstract

A gaming machine is disclosed, the machine having a plurality of spinning reels viewed through a flat transparent panel. Touch screen circuitry is bonded with said panel and forms an array of “touch points” or data inputs by which game operation can be effected.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A gaming machine comprising one or more mechanical spinning game reels; a flat transparent panel located in front of the reels and through which the reels can be viewed; touch screen circuitry bonded to the flat panel, and control means for receiving signals from the touch screen circuitry and controlling the play of a game, including spinning of the reels.  
     
     
         2 . The gaming machine of    claim 1   , wherein said touch screen circuitry includes at least one pair of electrodes located at opposed edge margins of said panel, said electrodes being driven to produce an array of discrete regions on said panel defining input points.  
     
     
         3 . The gaming machine of    claim 2   , wherein said touch screen circuitry is applied to the exterior surface of said panel.  
     
     
         4 . The gaming machine of    claim 3   , further comprising a graphical transfer attached to the interior surface of said panel, the transfer permitting a view of said reels.  
     
     
         5 . The gaming machine of    claim 1   , further comprising a cabinet housing said reels and said control means, and wherein said panel forms a component part of the exterior surface of said cabinet.  
     
     
         6 . A gaming machine assembly comprising a flat transparent panel and touch screen circuitry applied to a surface of said panel.  
     
     
         7 . The gaming machine assembly of    claim 6   , wherein said touch screen circuitry includes at least one pair of electrodes located at opposed edge margins of said panel, said electrodes being driven to produce an array of discrete regions on said panel defining input points.  
     
     
         8 . The gaming machine assembly of    claim 7   , wherein said touch screen circuitry is applied to the exterior surface of said panel.