(19)
(11) EP 1 130 554 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
22.05.2002 Bulletin 2002/21

(43) Date of publication A2:
05.09.2001 Bulletin 2001/36

(21) Application number: 01100279.7

(22) Date of filing: 03.01.2001
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G07F 17/32
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR
Designated Extension States:
AL LT LV MK RO SI

(30) Priority: 03.01.2000 US 476143

(71) Applicant: International Game Technology, a Nevada Corporation
Reno, Nevada 89511-8986 (US)

(72) Inventors:
  • Powell, Tracy
    Reno, Nevada 89511 (US)
  • Uihlein, Mark
    Henderson, Nevada 89014 (US)

(74) Representative: Manitz, Finsterwald & Partner Gbr 
Postfach 31 02 20
80102 München
80102 München (DE)

   


(54) A microcontrolled backlit keypad assembly and method for a gaming machine


(57) A keypad assembly and method for use with a gaming machine including a keypad having a plurality of keys to input data, and a plurality of illumination devices operably coupled to a corresponding key for independent illumination thereof. A microcontroller device is coupled to the plurality of illumination devices for illumination thereof in a manner visually communicating information relating to a game accessible by the gaming machine.






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