Gaming machine with light altering features

Abstract

A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a game display and at least one illumination device. The game display is for displaying the wagering game and the illumination device is for presenting artistic elements such as marquee lettering and candle lighting. One aspect of the illumination device is a formed material with at least one LED embedded within. The formed material contains light dispersion particles and is of a nature that allows the light from the embedded LEDs to emit from the surface in an effectively uniform manner. In a different embodiment, an illumination device, comprised of a colored light source, associated electronic components that are enclosed within the gaming machine's housing, and a transparent object, directs light from the light source through the structure of the transparent object positioned over the source, and displays the color and intended intensity of the light on an altered surface on the transparent object.

1 . A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game, comprising: 
 a game display for displaying the wagering game; and    at least one illumination device including a light scattering material and a light source embedded in the material.    
   
   
       2 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the light source is selected from the group consisting of a tinted light emitting diode (LED) and an untinted LED.  
   
   
       3 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the illumination device is powered through an electrical connection element, and the electrical connection element is formed to position the light source throughout the shape of the illumination device and is selected from a group including printed circuit boards (PCBs), flexible circuit members, and electrical wiring.  
   
   
       4 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the light scattering material is selected from a group including resin, acrylic, or plastic-based polymers, the material allowing light from the light source to pass through the material and be emitted from a surface thereof in an effectively uniform manner.  
   
   
       5 . The machine of  claim 4 , wherein the light scattering material contains light dispersing particles.  
   
   
       6 . The machine of  claim 4 , wherein the light scattering material is contained within a housing having walls with interior light reflective material and exterior light absorbing material.  
   
   
       7 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the illumination device is selected from a group consisting of marquee artistic elements including lettering, a candle extending from a top of the gaming machine, bezel lighting for the game display or peripheral devices, lighted game play buttons, and other artistic game lighting.  
   
   
       8 . An illumination device for a gaming machine, the gaming machine operable to conduct a wagering game, comprising: 
 at least one light source;    an electrical connecting element for providing power to the light source; and    a light scattering material for displaying light from the light source in an effectively uniform manner.    
   
   
       9 . The illumination device of  claim 8 , wherein the light source is selected from the group consisting of a tinted light emitting diode (LED) and an untinted LED.  
   
   
       10 . The illumination device of  claim 8 , wherein the electrical connecting element is selected from a group including printed circuit boards (PCBs), flexible circuit members, and electrical wiring.  
   
   
       11 . The illumination device of  claim 8 , wherein the electrical connecting element is formable to effectively position light sources throughout the shape of the illumination device.  
   
   
       12 . The illumination device of  claim 8 , wherein the light scattering material is resin, acrylic, or plastic-based polymers that allow light to pass through from the light source embedded in the material, said light emitting from the surface of the material in an effectively uniform manner.  
   
   
       13 . The illumination device of  claim 8 , wherein the light scattering material is contained within a housing having walls with interior light reflective material and exterior light absorbing material.  
   
   
       14 . A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game, comprising: 
 a game display for displaying the wagering game; and    at least one illumination device including a light source, a transparent non-flat member, and a light-dispersing surface along a side of the member, the light source being positioned to emit light through the member such that the light impinges upon the light-dispersing surface and becomes generally apparent to a player.    
   
   
       15 . The machine of  claim 14 , wherein the light source includes an LED.  
   
   
       16 . The machine of  claim 14 , wherein the member is comprised of a transparent material for transporting light and a translucent material or material altered to be translucent for displaying light.  
   
   
       17 . The machine of  claim 14 , wherein the member is comprised of a molded and extruded material selected from a group consisting of acrylic, plastic, and glass.  
   
   
       18 . The machine of  claim 14 , wherein the illumination device includes electronics recessed within a housing of the gaming machine.