Lighted three dimensional display

Abstract

A game apparatus is adapted to allow a player to play a game and to determine a game outcome. At least one character is mounted in association with the game apparatus. Lights are mounted in association with the character. A controller is in communication with the game apparatus and the lights. The controller is adapted to determine the game outcome and to control the lights such that in combination at least one character and one of the lights display the game outcome.

1 . A gaming device comprising: 
 (A) at least one game apparatus, the game apparatus being configured to allow a player to play a game and to determine a game outcome;    (B) at least one display device in communication with the gaming apparatus and in view of the player, the display device comprising: 
 (a) at least one flat light panel, the light panel being configured to emit light across a first surface of the light panel; and  
 (b) at least one object positioned between the first surface of the light panel and the player, the object comprising a three dimensional shape with height, width and depth, the object layer being at least partially transparent, wherein light emitted by the light panel passes through at least a portion of the object to the player.  
   
     
     
         2 . The gaming device of  claim 1 , further comprising a graphical symbol displayed on the object, wherein the object comprises a profile, the profile being similar to a shape of the graphical symbol.  
     
     
         3 . The gaming device of  claim 1  wherein the light panel comprises at least one cold cathode light source.  
     
     
         4 . The gaming device of  claim 1  further comprising a spacer between the light panel and the object layer.  
     
     
         5 . The gaming device of  claim 4  further comprising at least one symbol on the spacer.  
     
     
         6 . The gaming device of  claim 1  further comprising a controller in communication with the game apparatus and the light panel, the controller being configured to selectively activate the light panel to communicate game information to the player.  
     
     
         7 . A method of displaying game information, comprising, not all necessarily in the order shown: 
 (A) emitting light from a flat panel;    (B) transmitting the light through a three dimensional object; and    (C) allowing a player to view the light transmitted through the three dimensional object.    
     
     
         8 . The gaming device of  claim 7 , further comprising displaying a graphical symbol on the object, wherein the object comprises a profile, the profile being similar in shape of the graphical symbol.  
     
     
         9 . The gaming device of  claim 7 , further comprising providing a spacer between the light panel and the object.  
     
     
         10 . The gaming device of  claim 9 , further comprising displaying at least one symbol on the spacer and transmitting light through the symbol.  
     
     
         11 . The gaming device of  claim 7 , wherein the step of emitting light from the flat panel is performed selectively.  
     
     
         12 . A gaming device comprising: 
 (A) a game apparatus means for allowing a player to play a game and to determine a game outcome;    (B) an object means for presenting a three dimensional object to the player;    (C) a light panel means for emitting light over an area of a flat surface and illuminating the object means.    
     
     
         13 . The gaming device of  claim 12 , further comprising symbol means for communicating game information to the player, the object means having a shape at least partially corresponding to the symbol means.  
     
     
         14 . The gaming device of  claim 12  further comprising controller means for selectively activating the light panel means.  
     
     
         15 . A gaming device comprising: 
 (A) at least one game apparatus, the game apparatus being configured to allow a player to play a game and to determine a game outcome;    (B) at least one display device in communication with the gaming apparatus and in view of the player, the display device comprising: 
 (a) at least one flat light panel, the light panel comprising: 
 (i) a transparent plate having a first and second surface and a profile;  
 (ii) a symbol displayed on the first service of the transparent plate, the symbol being at least partially transparent, the profile of the plate at least partially conforming to the profile of the symbol; and  
 (iii) a light source positioned to transmit light into the transparent plate, wherein light is emitted through the symbol.  
 
   
     
     
         16 . The gaming device of  claim 15  further comprising a reflective material on the second surface.  
     
     
         17 . The gaming device of  claim 15  wherein the second surface is laser etched.  
     
     
         18 . The gaming device of  claim 15 , wherein the first surface comprises a three dimensional portion having height, width and depth. 
 The gaming device of  claim 15  wherein the plate comprises an edge and the light source is positioned to abut the edge.