[0002] Gaming devices, known in the art, are typically illuminated, while they are being played, and sometimes in an “attract mode”. The “Attract mode” is typically a repetitive sequence which is designed to attract potential players and passers-by to play the gaming device. Providing flashing lights and sounds in response to different events occurring during the play of a gaming device is also known.
[0003] Electroluminescent lamps have been utilized for different types of lighting such as point-of-purchase advertising displays. Electroluminescent lamps are desirable as they provide a very attractive form of lighting. Since previously known uses of electroluminescence have typically been in an attract mode, it would be desirable to utilize the desirable aspects of electroluminescent lights in a more interactive form with gaming devices.
[0004] Various embodiments of the present invention provide gaming devices with at least one electroluminescent display wherein the electroluminescent display is changed in response to active input by a player and/or events occurring during the play of the game. For example, the electroluminescent lighting displays can be changed within the scope of the present invention in response to the amount of a wager by a player, e.g. the placement of a maximum wager by a player, upon the occurrence of a certain outcome on a primary, secondary and/or subsequent random event, upon receiving certain input from a player, to indicate the status of features of a game such as the paylines on a multiple payline slot machine, highlighting a particular game even or game payout, the activation of a secondary event, etc. As used herein, the word “changed” when used in reference to the state of an electroluminescent display device indicates that the display is extinguished, illuminated, and/or the illumination is modified, for example made brighter or dimmer.
[0005]
[0006]
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[0008]
[0009] The various embodiments of the present invention combine the attractive features of electroluminescent lighting devices with the interactive excitement of gaming devices by providing gaming devices with interactive electroluminescent lighting which changes in response to active input by a player and/or events occurring during the play of the game, i.e. during the play mode of a gaming device. As used herein, the term “play mode” is meant to distinguish the active play of a gaming device from an “attract mode” wherein a game may be on a preprogrammed, continuous and/or repetitive lighting, sound, or demo sequence prior to the commencement of an actual game in order to attract players and potential players.
[0010] According to various embodiments of the present invention, electroluminescent lighting is changed in response to active input by a player or in response to events occurring during the play of a game. As used herein, the term “active input” is meant to indicate a conscious decision by a player which is intended to or has the ability to affect the outcome of game. “Active input”, as used herein, does not include the initial decision of a player to simply play a particular game or gaming device, or the act of wagering the minimum wager required by the game or gaming device to initiate play. For example, the electroluminescent lighting displays can be changed within the scope of the present invention in response to the input of a player to hold certain cards, the input of a player to affect other indicia of a game such as selecting from available options, upon receiving certain other input from a player, the wagering of a predetermined amount such as a maximum wager or a wager above some predetermined amount by a player, the occurrence of a certain outcome on a primary, secondary or subsequent random event, to indicate the status of features of a game such as the active paylines on a multiple payline slot machine or in conjunction with other intermediate or final events occurring during the play or at the end of a game.
[0011]
[0012] In accordance with this illustrated embodiment, electroluminescent lighting displays are provided in a ring
[0013] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, different paylines are provided with different electroluminescent lighting displays.
[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, one or more electroluminescent lighting devices are illuminated and extinguished in sequence when a player obtains at least one of a plurality of outcomes on said gaming device. For example, if a player attains a certain payout, then one, and preferably a plurality of electroluminescent devices are illuminated and extinguished in sequence. According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the state of the electroluminescent display device can be randomly controlled during the play of a gaming device. While this illustrated embodiment comprises five paylines with five different colors, the advantages of this aspect of the present invention can be realized with two or more paylines.
[0015]