Gaming machine with button panel features

Abstract

A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a player-actuated button containing a representation of a variable dice outcome affecting events in the wagering game.

1 . A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game, comprising: 
 a player-actuated button containing a representation of at least one variable die outcome, the die outcome affecting an event in the wagering game.    
   
   
       2 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the representation of the variable die outcome includes an element resembling a die and lighting devices representing spots on the die.  
   
   
       3 . The machine of  claim 2 , wherein the element is a translucent surface or body to be illuminated.  
   
   
       4 . The machine of  claim 1 , further including a controller, the die outcome being communicated between the controller and the button.  
   
   
       5 . The machine of  claim 1 , further including a display for replicating the die outcome.  
   
   
       6 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the representation of the variable die outcome includes a physical die.  
   
   
       7 . The machine of  claim 6 , wherein a surface opposite a viewed surface of the die presents data for identifying the die outcome to a controller.  
   
   
       8 . The machine of  claim 7 , wherein the data is transmitted to the machine by methods selected from the group consisting of magnets, infrared, and a coded image.  
   
   
       9 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the representation of the variable die outcome includes a video display.  
   
   
       10 . The machine of  claim 1 , further including a board game having a game piece, wherein the die outcome initiates and controls movement of the game piece along the board game.  
   
   
       11 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the die outcome is used in a bonus game or other dice-related game.  
   
   
       12 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the button is located on a button panel.  
   
   
       13 . The button of  claim 1 , wherein the button is located on a surface other than the button panel.  
   
   
       14 . A player-actuated button for use with a gaming machine that conducts a wagering game, the button comprising a representation of a variable die outcome, the die outcome affecting an event of the wagering game.  
   
   
       15 . The button of  claim 14 , the representation of a variable die outcome includes a structure resembling a die and lighting devices representing spots.  
   
   
       16 . The button of  claim 15 , wherein the structure is a translucent surface or body that can be illuminated.  
   
   
       17 . The button of  claim 14 , wherein the die outcome is transmitted to a controller of the gaming machine.  
   
   
       18 . The button of  claim 14 , wherein the die outcome is replicated on a machine display.  
   
   
       19 . The button of  claim 14 , wherein the representation of the variable dice outcome includes a physical die.  
   
   
       20 . The button of  claim 19 , wherein a surface opposite a viewed surface of the physical die contains data for identifying the die outcome to the machine.  
   
   
       21 . The button  20 , wherein the data is transmitted to the machine by methods selected from a group consisting of magnets, infrared, or coded image.  
   
   
       22 . The button of  claim 14 , wherein the representation of the variable die outcome includes a video display.  
   
   
       23 . The button of  claim 14 , wherein the die outcome initiates and controls the movement of a game piece on a board game.  
   
   
       24 . The button of  claim 14 , wherein the dice outcome is used in a bonus game or other die-related game.  
   
   
       25 . The button of  claim 14 , wherein the button is located on a button panel.  
   
   
       26 . The button of  claim 14 , wherein the button is located on a surface other than the button panel.  
   
   
       27 . A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine, the method comprising: 
 representing a variable die outcome on a player-actuated button; and    affecting an event in the wagering game based on the die outcome.    
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the representing step occurs in response to a player actuating the button.  
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the representing step uses a physical die.  
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the representing step uses a fixed element representing a die.  
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 27 , further including communicating the variable die outcome between the button and the machine's controller.  
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 27 , further including reading the variable die outcome using a charge-coupled device (CCD), contact points, internal chips, magnetic strips, laser scan, infrared, or proximity device.  
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 32 , further including communicating the variable die outcome to the machine's controller to cause the event.