Appeal 2007-1436
Application 10/390,318
display switches), coin wager input 118, a bill acceptor 119, a CRT or other
computer monitor-type display 122, and regions 124, 126 for providing various
components (Finding of Fact 11). In order to coordinate operation of the
programmable display switch module 114 with operation of the game, the
programmable display switch is coupled to a controller board 212 which, in turn, is
coupled to a microprocessor which controls game operation (Finding of Fact 12).
The connection or interface between the programmable display switches and the
gaming terminal microprocessor is such that the response of the gaming terminal to
activation of a particular switch (i.e., when a player pushes the switch with his
finger) corresponds to the functionality of the displayed legend (Finding of Fact
13). The programmable display switch includes an activation surface 414 having a
transparent or translucent covering 416 over a controllable pixel array 418.
Preferably, the pixel array contains sufficient pixels to permit display of a wide
range of characters, images, logos, symbols, and the like (Finding of Fact 14). The
entire activation surface 416 is pressable or movable against the urging of springs
422 or other force devices (Finding of Fact 15). Mattice discloses that the tactile
feedback achieved with a fully-moveable activation surface 416 assists in
providing users with a level of comfort and familiarity and avoids customer
confusion (Finding of Fact 16). As such, we remand this application to the
Examiner to consider whether the mechanical programmable display switches of
Mattice anticipate or render obvious the subject matter of claims 1-9, 12-23, and
25.
12
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Next
Last modified: September 9, 2013