AU2012200303A1 - Lighting apparatus for a gaming machine cabinet - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A lighting apparatus for a gaming machine cabinet comprising: a spot light source which emits light relative 5 to a central emission axis; and a translucent diffuser spaced from the spot light source, the diffuser comprising an inner portion located so as to intercept light emitted along the emission axis and an outer portion spaced from the emission axis, the inner and outer portions arranged io such that the diffuser prevents transmission of more light in the region of the inner portion than in the region of the outer portion. 3083385_1 (GHMatters) P72487.AU.2 18/01/12 Figure 1

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Invention Title: LIGHTING APPARATUS FOR A GAMING MACHINE CABINET The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: -2 Title LIGHTING APPARATUS FOR A GAMING MACHINE CABINET s Related Application This application is a divisional application of Australian application no. 2008229706, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 10 Field The present invention relates to a lighting apparatus for a gaming machine cabinet, a gaming machine cabinet and a 15 translucent diffuser. Background The aesthetics of a cabinet of a gaming machine, and 20 indeed of the game housed by the gaming machine, can influence a player's enjoyment of the gaming machine. Accordingly, much effort is placed into designing aesthetically appealing artwork to place on the cabinet. 25 Such artwork is often backlit by lighting within the cabinet. There is a need for alternative lighting techniques suitable for backlighting such artwork. 30 Summary of the Invention In a first aspect, the invention provides lighting apparatus for a gaming machine cabinet comprising: 35 a spot light source which emits light relative to a central emission axis; and a translucent diffuser spaced from the spot light 3083385_1 (GHMattrs) P72487.AU.2 18/01/12 - 3 source, the diffuser comprising an inner portion located so as to intercept light emitted along the emission axis and an outer portion spaced from the emission axis, the inner and outer portions arranged such that the diffuser 5 prevents transmission of more light in the region of the inner portion than in the region of the outer portion. In an embodiment, the inner and outer portions are made of the same material. 10 In an embodiment, the inner portion is circular and the outer portion comprises a plurality of arms extending from the inner portion. 15 In an embodiment, each of the arms tapers such that the diffuser is star shaped. In an embodiment, there are 8 to 16 arms. 20 In an embodiment, there are 10 to 14 arms. In an embodiment, there are 12 arms. In an embodiment, the diffuser is mounted on a translucent 25 support member. In an embodiment, the emitted light of the light source includes a bright central component centred around the emission axis. 30 In an embodiment, the light source emits light in a polar pattern. In an embodiment, the light source is a light emitting 35 diode. In an embodiment, the diffuser is spaced from the light 3083385_1 (GHMatters) P72487.AU.2 18/01/12 source by a distance in the range of 10-20mm. In an embodiment, the distance is about 15mm. 5 In an embodiment, the lighting apparatus comprises a plurality of light sources and a plurality of diffusers paired with respective ones of the light source. In a second aspect, the invention provides a gaming 10 machine cabinet comprising: a spot light source which emits light relative to a central emission axis; a translucent diffuser spaced from the spot light source, the diffuser comprising an inner portion located is so as to intercept light emitted along the emission axis and an outer portion spaced from the emission axis, the inner and outer portions arranged such that the diffuser prevents transmission of more light in the region of the inner portion than in the region of the outer portion; and 20 an artwork carrying portion arranged to be illuminated by light emitted from the light source. In an embodiment, the artwork carrying portion is spaced from the light source by a distance in the range of 80 25 120mm. In an embodiment, the artwork carrying portion is spaced from the light source by a distance of about 100mm. 30 In an embodiment, the inner and outer portions are made of the same material. In an embodiment, the inner portion is circular and the outer portion comprises a plurality of arms extending from 35 the inner portion. In an embodiment, each of the arms tapers such that the 3083385_1 (GHMatters) P72487.AU.2 18/01/12 - 5 diffuser is star shaped. In an embodiment, there are 8 to 16 arms. 5 In an embodiment, the diffuser is mounted on a translucent support member. In an embodiment, the emitted light of the light source includes a bright central component centred around the 10 emission axis. In an embodiment, the light source emits light in a polar pattern. is In an embodiment, the light source is a light emitting diode. In an embodiment, the diffuser is spaced from the light source by a distance in the range of 10-20mm. 20 In an embodiment, the distance is about 15mm. In an embodiment, the gaming machine comprises a plurality of light sources and a plurality of diffusers paired with 25 respective ones of the light source. In a third aspect, the invention provides a translucent diffuser for diffusing light from a the spot light source, the diffuser comprising an inner portion adapted to be 30 located so as to intercept light emitted along an emission axis by the light source and an outer portion spaced from the emission axis, the inner and outer portions arranged such that, in use, the diffuser prevents transmission of more light in the region of the inner portion than in the 35 region of the outer portion. In an embodiment, the inner and outer portions are made of 3083385_1 (GHMatters) P72487.AU.2 18/01/12 -6 the same material. In an embodiment, the inner portion is circular and the outer portion comprises a plurality of arms extending from 5 the inner portion. In an embodiment, each of the arms tapers such that the diffuser is star shaped. 10 In an embodiment, there are 8 to 16 arms. In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a lighting apparatus for a gaming machine cabinet comprising: a light source which emits light in a brightness is pattern; and a substantially planar translucent diffuser spaced from the light source and formed to transmit incident light from the light source proportionally to the inverse of.the brightness pattern, whereby the light 20 output by the lighting apparatus is substantially uniform in the region of the diffuser. In an embodiment, the shape of the diffuser is configured to control transmittal of the incident light. 25 In an embodiment, the diffuser has a circular inner portion and an outer portion comprising a plurality of arms extending from the inner portion. 30 In an embodiment, each of the arms tapers such that the diffuser is star shaped. In an embodiment, there are 8 to 16 arms. 35 In an embodiment, the diffuser is mounted on a translucent support member. 3083385_1 (GHMatters) P72487.AU.2 18/01/12 - 7 In an embodiment, the brightness pattern of the light source includes a bright central component centred around an emission axis. s In an embodiment, the light source emits light in a polar pattern. In an embodiment, the light source is a light emitting diode. 10 In an embodiment, the diffuser is spaced from the light source by a distance in the range of 10-20mm. In an embodiment, the lighting apparatus comprises a 15 plurality of light sources and a plurality of diffusers paired with respective ones of the light source. In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a gaming machine cabinet comprising: 20 a light source which emits light in a brightness pattern; a substantially planar translucent diffuser spaced from the light source and formed to transmit incident light from the light source proportionally to the 25 inverse of the brightness pattern, whereby the light output by the lighting apparatus is substantially uniform in the region of the diffuser; and an artwork carrying portion arranged to be illuminated by light emitted from the light source. 30 In an embodiment, the shape of the diffuser is configured to control transmittal of the incident light. In an embodiment, the diffuser has a circular inner 35 portion and an outer portion comprising a plurality of arms extending from the inner portion. 3083385_1 (GHMatters) P72487.AU.2 18/01/12 - 8 In an embodiment, each of the arms tapers such that the diffuser is star shaped. In an embodiment, there are 8 to 16 arms. 5 In an embodiment, the diffuser is mounted on a translucent support member. In an embodiment, the brightness pattern of the light 10 source includes a bright central component centred around an emission axis. In an embodiment, the light source emits light in a polar pattern. 15 In an embodiment, the light source is a light emitting diode. In an embodiment, the diffuser is spaced from the light 20 source by a distance in the range of 10-20mm. In an embodiment, the gaming machine cabinet comprises a plurality of light sources and a plurality of diffusers paired with respective ones of the light source. 25 In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a translucent diffuser for diffusing light emitted by a light source in a brightness pattern, the diffuser being substantially planar and formed to transmit incident light from the 30 light source proportionally to the inverse of the brightness pattern, whereby the light output by the lighting apparatus is substantially uniform in the region of the diffuser. 35 In an embodiment, the shape of the diffuser is configured to control transmittal of the incident light. 3083385_1 (GHMatters) P72487.AU 2 18/01/12 - 9 In an embodiment, the diffuser has a circular inner portion and an outer portion comprising a plurality of arms extending from the inner portion. 5 In an embodiment, each of the arms tapers such that the diffuser is star shaped. In an embodiment, there are 8 to 16 arms. 10 Brief Description of the Drawings An exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described in relation to the accompanying drawings in which: 15 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine of an embodiment; Figure 2 is a cross-section of a porion of the gaming 20 machine; Figure 3 is a front view of a diffuser box; Figure 4 shows the relative position of artwork, diffuser 25 and light source; Figure 5 shows a polar radiation pattern of an LED; Figure 6 is a plot of brightness on the artwork at 100mm; 30 Figure 7 is a plot of brightness on the diffuser box for LEDB 80mm apart; Figure 8 shows the transparency characteristics of the 35 diffuser; Figure 9 shows the output of the diffuser with the 3083385_1 (GHMatters) P72487.AU.2 18/01/12 - 10 secondary diffusing star; Figure 10 shows an alternative arrangement where the LEDs are 60mm apart; and 5 Figure 11 is a plot of light incident of the diffuser box. Detailed Description 10 The embodiment is described in relation to an example where a lighting apparatus is incorporated within the cabinet of a gaming machine to light artwork. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in the case of a gaming machine, most aspects of the game are is implemented on the game machine although functions such as a jackpot function may be implemented on a remote server when a gaming machine is part of a gaming network. In the context of server based gaming, a cabinet with a 20 display for viewing the game and operable by the player to play the game is sometimes referred to as an "interactive video terminal" (IVT) or similar to provide a distinction from stand alone gaming machines as the IVT acts as a client and implements some parts of the game, such as 25 output of images to the display and receipt of gaming instructions from buttons or a touch screen while other aspects of the game are implemented on a gaming server. However, it will be appreciated that such IVTs will take a similar outward form to standalone gaming machines and 30 accordingly, herein should be understood as falling within the meaning of a "gaming machine" and as having a gaming machine cabinet unless the context implies otherwise. A stand alone gaming machine 10 is illustrated in Figure 35 1. The gaming machine 10 cabinet 12 has a display 14 on which is displayed representations of a game 16 that can be played by a player. The display 14 is a liquid crystal 3083385_1 (GHMattcrs) P72487.AU.2 18/01/12 - 11 display, but may be a cathode ray tube, plasma screen, or any other suitable video display unit. A mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 10 houses a bank of buttons for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in 5 particular during game play. The mid-trim 20 also houses a credit input mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coin input chute 24A, a printer 24B, and a bill collector 24C. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart io card, debit card or credit card. A player marketing module 30 is provided above the display 14, which has reading device provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of is a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device. There is a light tower (or "candle") on the top of the cabinet 12 which is capable of outputting a plurality of different coloured lights in response to the operating state of the 20 machine. For example, to indicate a fault or a security breach or in response to a player request for a personal service such as collecting a jackpot payout or ordering a beverage. 25 In the embodiment, artwork 50 which is intended to be backlit is provided towards the top of the cabinet 12. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that artwork may be located on other parts of a gaming cabinet, for example, on the belly 90. 30 Figure 2 shows the relationship of the lighting apparatus to the artwork 50. The cross-section of figure 2 (which is through the upper portion of the gaming machine cabinet 12) shows that a diffuser box 60 is mounted to surround a 35 plurality of light emitting devices (LEDs) 70 which is mounted to a circuit board 75 which provides the necessary electrical connections for driving the LEDs. The cabinet 30833851 (GHMattcrs) P72487.AU.2 18/01/12 - 12 12 includes a reflector 80 for reflecting laterally transmitted light towards the artwork 50. The diffuser box 60 is shown in a front view in figure 3 from which will be apparent that it is mounted to the cabinet 12 by 5 mounting points 64a, 64b and has four star shaped diffusers 62 which are paired with respective ones of four LEDs in this example. Each of the diffuser stars 62 is intended to overlay a 10 "hot spot" on the diffuser box 60 caused by the projection of light from the LED which provides a spotlight source. The diffuser stars 62 act to diminish the "hot spot" effect of spot light sources such that a more even light is projected on the artwork 50. 15 As is shown in figure 5, light is emitted from the LED 70 in a polar radiation pattern 530. The radiation pattern 30 is represented in the graph of figure 5 by showing the relative percentage of light transmitted on axis 510 20 relative to various angles 520. It will be seen that the light is strongest along the central transmission axis of the LED 70 which is represented as the 0* mark. Accordingly, the light intensity falls off to below 80% by the time the light is 40 degrees off centre. Accordingly, 25 it will be appreciated that the region immediately around the central emission axis of the LED leads to a "hot spot". Without the advantageous diffusers of embodiments of the invention, such a hot spot can provide an uneven lighting effect which mitigates against other beneficial 30 properties of LED lighting, including that LEDs use relatively little power, are compact and are easy to control. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in figure 4, the 35 diffuser box 60 which carries the diffuser stars 62 is spaced by about 15mm from an LED 70 which is mounted on printed circuit board 75. The LED is spaced by about 3083385_1 (GHMatters) P72487.AU.2 18/01/12 - 13 100mm from artwork 50. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that these distances can be varied depending on the implementation, for example, the distance a between the LED 70 and the diffuser box 60 could be in the range 5 of 10mm to 20mm and the distance b between the LED and the artwork could be in the range of 80mm to 120mm. Figure 6 illustrates typical brightness on the artwork at 100mm from an LED without a diffuser with 1.0 being 10 allocated to the maximum relative brightness on a brightness axis 620 and the other axis of the graph 600 representing distance from the central emission axis of the LED. i5 Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the light that is received on the LED is not uniform. In determining how to control the light that illuminates the artwork, it is convenient to examine the light that is incident on the diffuser box 60 which is illustrated in figure 11 where 20 the graph 1100 plots 1130 the relative brightness 1120 relative to distance 1110 at a distance approximately 15mm away from the LED. In practice, as indicated in figure 3, there will be a 25 plurality of LEDs. Accordingly, the diffuser is designed to compensate for the plurality of LEDs. Referring to figure 7, there is shown a plot 730 of relative brightness 720 relative to distance 710. Distance is expressed as a distance from a first central emission axis of a first LED 30 to a second central emission axis of a second LED spaced 80mm apart. As can be seen from figure 7, the minimum relative value of brightness 740 is about 0.1 about half way between the two LEDs. The star diffuser is designed, by taking the minimum brightness and multiplying it by two 35 in order to determine where the outer periphery of the star diffuser should start and have, radius of the star diffuser. In this case, this results in a star diffuser 3083385_ (GHMatters) P72487.AU.2 18/01/12 - 14 radius 24mm. The body of the star is chosen to be half the full radius, i.e. to have a 12mm radius. The transparency of the secondary diffuser is determined to be 0.2 such that the core brightness of the star is also 5 twice the minimum brightness. Accordingly, as indicated in figure 8, there is a first portion 742a of the star diffuser which is 12mm in radius which has a relative brightness effect of 0.2 and a second 10 744a where there is a gradation from 0.2 to full transmission 740. This, as shown in the graph 900 of figure 9, produces a composite output 750 which is substantially constant in 15 the sense that it has a small variation relative to the variation without the diffuser. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the purpose of the star diffuser is to provide an inverse function to a light emission pattern of the light source and hence that other diffusers 20 which provide an inverse function may be employed. It will be apparent that the radius of the star is selected at a point where the brightness is twice the minimum level and the transparency of the star is 25 calculated by doubling the minimum transmitted light. Figure 10 shows an alternative arrangement where the two LEDs are 60mm apart. The graph 1000 of figure 10 is of relative brightness 1020, relative to distance 1010 with 30 zero being the central emission axis of one of the LEDs. In this case, the minimum brightness is approximately 0.18 and accordingly, the point which is equal to twice the minimum brightness is 0.36 which corresponds to a radius of approximately 14mm. The transparency of the star as 35 chosen to be 36% to reduce the peak output to 0.26. Figure 10 includes plots 100 of the brightness as incident 3083385_1 (GHMatters) P72487.AU.2 18/01/12 - 15 on the diffuser box 1030, relative translucency 1040 of the stars and the diffuser output 1050. In an embodiment, the diffuser box itself has a 5 translucency of about 60 to 65% and accordingly, when combined with the star diffuser, the composite translucency would be in the case of the example illustrated in figure 9 around 13%. 10 As indicated above, the star pattern matches the entire hot spot area - i.e. where light is not more than twice the minimum brightness and the solid core is chosen to about 50% of the entire hot spot. In an embodiment, so that a similar material can be used to form a star is diffuser and overlay on the diffuser box, the inner core and outer arm portions of the star are formed of the same material. Accordingly, the outer arms taper like rays to a point in order to gradually reduce the amount of light blocked by the star diffuser. Persons skilled in the art 20 will appreciate that other variations of the shape of the star diffuser can be achieved. For example, solid arms which terminate at different distances from the centre of the diffuser or stepped arms. 25 Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the star diffuser and the diffuser box provide a composite diffuser. This is achieved in this embodiment by overlaying the star diffuser on the diffuser box. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in other 30 embodiments the diffuser box and the star diffusers could be formed by etching the diffuser box. Other variations will be apparent to persons skilled in the art and in particular, it will be appreciated that 35 various features described above can be combined to form further embodiments. 3083385_1 (GHMatters) P72487.AU.2 18/01/12 - 16 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as 5 "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e., to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 10 It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 15 3083385_1 (GHMaticrs) P72487.AU.2 18/01/12

Claims (60)

1. A lighting apparatus for a gaming machine cabinet comprising: 5 a spot light source which emits light relative to a central emission axis; and a translucent diffuser spaced from the spot light source, the diffuser comprising an inner portion located so as to intercept light emitted along the emission axis 10 and an outer portion spaced from the emission axis, the inner and outer portions arranged such that the diffuser prevents transmission of more light in the region of the inner portion than in the region of the outer portion. 15

2. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner and outer portions are made of the same material.

3. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 20 claim 2, wherein the inner portion is circular and the outer portion comprises a plurality of arms extending from the inner portion.

4. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 3, 25 wherein each of the arms tapers such that the diffuser is star shaped.

5. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein there are 8 to 16 arms. 30

6. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein there are 10 to 14 arms.

7. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or 35 claim 4, wherein there are 12 arms. 3083385_1 (GHMarters) P72487.AU.2 18/01/12 - 18

8. A lighting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the diffuser is mounted on a translucent support member. s

9. A lighting apparatus as claim in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the emitted light of the light source includes a bright central component centred around the emission axis.

10 10. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the light source emits light in a polar pattern.

11. A lighting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the light source is a light 15 emitting diode.

12. A lighting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the diffuser is spaced from the light source by a distance in the range of 10-20mm. 20

13. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the distance is about 15mm.

14. A lighting apparatus as claimed in any one of 25 claims 1 to 13 comprising a plurality of light sources and a plurality of diffusers paired with respective ones of the light source.

15. A gaming machine cabinet comprising: 30 a spot light source which emits light relative to a central emission axis; a translucent diffuser spaced from the spot light source, the diffuser comprising an inner portion located so as to intercept light emitted along the emission axis 35 and an outer portion spaced from the emission axis, the inner and outer portions arranged such that the diffuser prevents transmission of more light in the region of the 3083385_1 (GHMattcrs) P72487.AU.2 18/01/12 - 19 inner portion than in the region of the outer portion; and an artwork carrying portion arranged to be illuminated by light emitted from the light source. 5

16. A gaming machine cabinet as claimed in claim 15, wherein the artwork carrying portion is spaced from the light source by a distance in the range of 80-120mm.

17. A gaming machine cabinet as claimed in claim 16, io wherein the artwork carrying portion is spaced from the light source by a distance of about 100mm.

18. A gaming machine cabinet as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the inner and outer portions are 15 made of the same material.

19. A gaming machine cabinet as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the inner portion is circular and the outer portion comprises a plurality of arms extending 20 from the inner portion.

20. A gaming machine cabinet as claimed in claim 19, wherein each of the arms tapers such that the diffuser is star shaped. 25

21. A gaming machine cabinet as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein there are 8 to 16 arms.

22. A gaming machine cabinet as claimed in any one of 30 claims 15 to 21, wherein the diffuser is mounted on a translucent support member.

23. A gaming machine cabinet as claim in any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the emitted light of the light 35 source includes a bright central component centred around the emission axis. 3083385_1 (GHMatters) P72487.AU.2 18/01/12 - 20

24. A gaming machine cabinet as claimed in claim 23 wherein the light source emits light in a polar pattern.

25. A gaming machine cabinet as claimed in any one of 5 claims 15 to 24 wherein the light source is a light emitting diode.

26. A gaming machine cabinet as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 25, wherein the diffuser is spaced from the 10 light source by a distance in the range of 10-20mm.

27. A gaming machine cabinet as claimed in claim 26 wherein the distance is about 15mm. 15

28. A gaming machine cabinet as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 27 comprising a plurality of light sources and a plurality of diffusers paired with respective ones of the light source. 20

29. A translucent diffuser for diffusing light from a the spot light source, the diffuser comprising an inner portion adapted to be located so as to intercept light emitted along an emission axis by the light source and an outer portion spaced from the emission axis, the inner and 25 outer portions arranged such that, in use, the diffuser prevents transmission of more light in the region of the inner portion than in the region of the outer portion.

30. A translucent diffuser as claimed in claim 29, 30 wherein the inner and outer portions are made of the same material.

31. A translucent diffuser as claimed in claim 29 or claim 30, wherein the inner portion is circular and the 35 outer portion comprises a plurality of arms extending from the inner portion. 3083385_1 (GHMatters) P72487.AU.2 18/01/12 - 21

32. A translucent diffuser as claimed in claim 31, wherein each of the arms tapers such that the diffuser is star shaped. 5

33. A translucent diffuser as claimed in claim 31 or claim 32, wherein there are 8 to 16 arms.

34. A lighting apparatus for a gaming machine cabinet comprising: 10 a light source which emits light in a brightness pattern; and a substantially planar translucent diffuser spaced from the light source and formed to transmit incident light from the light source proportionally to the 15 inverse of the brightness pattern, whereby the light output by the lighting apparatus is substantially uniform in the region of the diffuser.

35. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 34, 20 wherein the shape of the diffuser is configured to control transmittal of the incident light.

36. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 35, wherein the diffuser has a circular inner portion and an 25 outer portion comprising a plurality of arms extending from the inner portion.

37. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 36, wherein each of the arms tapers such that the diffuser is 30 star shaped.

38. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 36 or claim 37, wherein there are 8 to 16 arms. 35

39. A lighting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 38, wherein the diffuser is mounted on a translucent support member. 3083385_ 1 (GHMatters) P72487.AU.2 18/01/12 - 22

40. A lighting apparatus as claim in any one of claims 34 to 39, wherein the brightness pattern of the light source includes a bright central component centred 5 around an emission axis.

41. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 40 wherein the light source emits light in a polar pattern. io

42. A lighting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 41 wherein the light source is a light emitting diode.

43. A lighting apparatus as claimed in any one of 15 claims 34 to 42, wherein the diffuser is spaced from the light source by a distance in the range of 10-20mm.

44. A lighting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 43, comprising a plurality of light sources 20 and a plurality of diffusers paired with respective ones of the light source.

45. A gaming machine cabinet comprising: a light source which emits light in a brightness 25 pattern; a substantially planar translucent diffuser spaced from the light source and formed to transmit incident light from the light source proportionally to the inverse of the brightness pattern, whereby the light 30 output by the lighting apparatus is substantially uniform in the region of the diffuser; and an artwork carrying portion arranged to be illuminated by light emitted from the light source. 3S

46. A gaming machine cabinet as claimed in claim 45, wherein the shape of the diffuser is configured to control transmittal of the incident light. 3083385_1 (GH Matters) P72487.AU.2 18/01/1 2 - 23

47. A gaming machine cabinet as claimed in claim 46, wherein the diffuser has a circular inner portion and an outer portion comprising a plurality of arms extending 5 from the inner portion.

48. A gaming machine cabinet as claimed in claim 47, wherein each of the arms tapers such that the diffuser is star shaped. 10

49. A gaming machine cabinet as claimed in claim 47 or claim 48, wherein there are 8 to 16 arms.

50. A gaming machine cabinet as claimed in any one of is claims 45 to 49, wherein the diffuser is mounted on a translucent support member.

51. A gaming machine cabinet as claim in any one of claims 45 to 50, wherein the brightness pattern of the 20 light source includes a bright central component centred around an emission axis.

52. A gaming machine cabinet as claimed in claim 51 wherein the light source emits light in a polar pattern. 25

53. A gaming machine cabinet as claimed in any one of claims 45 to 52 wherein the light source is a light emitting diode. 30

54. A gaming machine cabinet as claimed in any one of claims 45 to 53, wherein the diffuser is spaced from the light source by a distance in the range of 10-20mm.

55. A gaming machine cabinet as claimed in any one of 35 claims 45 to 54, comprising a plurality of light sources and a plurality of diffusers paired with respective ones of the light source. 3083385_1 (GHMattcrs) P72487.AU.2 18/01/12 - 24

56. A translucent diffuser for diffusing light emitted by a light source in a brightness pattern, the diffuser being substantially planar and formed to transmit s incident light from the light source proportionally to the inverse of the brightness pattern, whereby the light output by the lighting apparatus is substantially uniform in the region of the diffuser. 10

57. A translucent diffuser as claimed in claim 56, wherein the shape of the diffuser is configured to control transmittal of the incident light.

58. A translucent diffuser as claimed in claim 57, 15 wherein the diffuser has a circular inner portion and an outer portion comprising a plurality of arms extending from the inner portion.

59. A translucent diffuser as claimed in claim 58, 20 wherein each of the arms tapers such that the diffuser is star shaped.

60. A translucent diffuser as claimed in claim 58 or claim 59, wherein there are 8 to 16 arms. 25 3083385_1 (GHMatters) P72487.AU.2 18/0 /12