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Method and apparatus for using a light valve to reduce the visibility of an object within a gaming apparatus

  • US 8,118,670 B2
  • Filed: 11/09/2007
  • Issued: 02/21/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/12/2004
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A gaming machine comprising:

  • a housing;

    a transparent panel associated with the housing that comprises an outer surface and an inner surface;

    a first transparent electronic display unit for displaying images and disposed inside of the transparent panel relative to the housing;

    a second electronic display unit for displaying images and disposed inside the first transparent electronic display unit relative to the housing;

    a light valve disposed between the inner surface of the transparent panel and the first transparent electronic display unit, coupled to a power source, adapted to become substantially transparent with a first voltage, and adapted to become substantially opaque with a second voltage, wherein the light valve is configured to block visibility of the first transparent electronic display unit and second electronic display unit to a person proximate to the outer surface of the transparent panel when the light valve receives the second voltage; and

    a controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor, the controller configured to cause said second voltage to be applied to said light valve when said gaming machine is in a tilt condition and when the power source is active and the controller further configured to cause said first voltage to be applied to said light valve when said gaming machine is to be serviced in order to resolve the tilt condition.

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