slot machine

Abstract

A gaming machine (10) comprising a housing with a control panel, an operating element (12) for operating the gaming machine (10), a control unit (14), and at least one monitor for displaying the game, wherein the at least one monitor (30) is connected to the housing, wherein the control panel is arranged vertically below the at least one monitor (30), wherein the operating element (12) is connected to the control panel, wherein the operating element (12) is signal-connected to the control unit (14), wherein the at least one monitor (30) is signal-connected to the control unit (14), wherein the operating element (12) has a recognition unit (18), wherein the recognition unit (18) comprises a sensor unit with at least one sensor, and wherein the recognition unit (18) is designed to recognize gestures of the user, characterized in that the operating element (12) has a memory unit (20),wherein predetermined parameters and / or conditions are stored in the memory unit (20), wherein the recognition unit (18) is designed such that the predetermined parameters and / or conditions are compared with the measured values ​​of the sensor unit, and wherein the recognition unit (18) is designed such that upon fulfillment of a condition or correspondence to the parameter, a specific signal is forwarded to the control unit (14), and wherein a plurality of menu information items are stored in the control unit (14), wherein, based on the specific signal of the recognition unit (18), specific menu information is visualized on the monitor (30).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine according to the type specified in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Modern gaming machines are increasingly equipped with touchscreens, which serve both to display game content and to facilitate user input. The trend in this area is clearly moving toward large-format, high-resolution touchscreens that serve as the central display and control element. Such monitors are increasingly replacing mechanical control elements such as keypads or separate input units and offer a flexible graphical user interface that can be dynamically adapted to different game modes.

[0003] A typical slot machine consists of a cabinet with one or more built-in touchscreen monitors located in the middle or top (head) of the machine. These displays are used to display game sequences, game content, menus, and to perform user inputs via direct touch.

[0004] However, with the increase in screen size in modern gaming machines, a growing ergonomic problem arises. Since larger monitors require a greater viewing distance to ensure image clarity and legibility, they are typically mounted further back or higher in the cabinet. This results in the player increasingly having to lean over the fixed control panel to reach and operate interactive menu areas—especially those located in the upper third of the screen.

[0005] This not only leads to unergonomic handling, but can also cause physical discomfort (e.g. tension or back strain) if used for a longer period of time.

[0006] This is particularly problematic for smaller or physically disabled people who cannot easily bridge the necessary distance to the device.

[0007] Furthermore, a greater distance between the player and the input surface can also reduce the precision of touch operation, especially with graphical controls with a small surface area. This can lead to incorrect inputs, frustration, and thus reduced acceptance of the device.

[0008] Furthermore, with high-mounted touch displays, there is a risk that the viewing angle becomes unfavorable, which in turn can lead to reflections or loss of contrast - another factor that negatively affects the interaction between player and device.

[0009] A known touchscreen operating device is disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2018 010 071 A1. This device provides haptic feedback, for example, through oscillations or vibrations of the touchscreen's cover plate.

[0010] Based on the disadvantages described, the object of the invention is to make the operation of a slot machine easier for the user and thereby increase comfort.

[0011] The problem is solved by a slot machine according to independent claim 1.

[0012] Subclaims 2 to 17 each represent advantageous developments of the slot machine according to the invention.

[0013] According to the invention, a gaming machine comprises a housing with a control panel, a control element for operating the gaming machine, a control unit, and at least one monitor for displaying the game, which monitor is connected to the housing. The control panel is arranged vertically below the monitor. The control element is connected to the control panel. The control element is signal-connected to the control unit. The monitor is signal-connected to the control unit. The control element has a recognition unit. The recognition unit comprises a sensor unit with at least one sensor. The recognition unit is designed to detect user gestures.

[0014] According to the invention, the operating element has a memory unit. At least one predetermined parameter and / or at least one predetermined condition is stored in the memory unit. The recognition unit is designed such that the at least one predetermined parameter and / or the at least one predetermined condition is compared with the measured values ​​of the sensor unit. Furthermore, the recognition unit is designed such that when the at least one condition is met and / or the at least one parameter is satisfied by the measured values, a specific signal is forwarded to the control unit. Several items of menu information are stored in the control unit, wherein specific menu information is visualized on the monitor based on the specific signal from the recognition unit.

[0015] This allows the user to operate the gaming machine in an ergonomically advantageous position, as the control element is positioned below at least one monitor, allowing the user to perform gestures in a position optimized for the hands. Furthermore, the design of the control element ensures that specific menu information is displayed on the monitor based on specific user interactions with the recognition unit. A user-friendly control element is provided in a simple manner.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control element is arranged horizontally forward relative to the user, spaced from the monitor in the housing. This ensures that the user can easily operate the control element in an ergonomically advantageous position while simultaneously observing the game on the at least one monitor. The user is positioned at a suitable distance for viewing the monitor and can operate the control element in a natural position without physical exertion.

[0017] The sensor unit preferably has at least one motion sensor, in particular an acceleration sensor. The at least one motion sensor measures linear movements along the X, Y, and / or Z axes of the user above the control element. Rotational movements around these axes can also be measured. This allows various user gestures to be easily recognized, thus enabling differentiated and simple operation of the gaming machine via the control unit.

[0018] The sensor unit can comprise multiple sensors. The use of multiple sensors minimizes the risk of errors when operating the control element, ensuring reliable operation of the device. Furthermore, the use of multiple sensors makes it easier to differentiate between different user gestures based on predetermined conditions and parameters, thus enabling variable user operation of the control element.

[0019] To allow the control element to be installed on various slot machines with differently shaped cabinets, the control element is detachably connected to the cabinet. This allows the control element to be easily replaced if necessary, for example, if it develops a defect.

[0020] Preferably, the operating element comprises a controller unit. The controller unit is connected to the control unit via signaling. The controller unit is designed as an electronic circuit board or control board and includes the detection unit. The controller unit separates the input via the operating element from the control unit of the gaming machine. The modularity enables easy maintenance and replacement.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the detection unit comprises an active layer, a protective layer, and a frame. The frame connects the active layer and the protective layer. The protective layer is arranged on the active layer. The protective layer is transparent and, in particular, made of glass. The active layer comprises the sensor unit. The sensor unit is thus protected from external influences by the protective layer.

[0022] The control element can be connected to the control unit via a USB connection. This provides a standardized and universal interface. Furthermore, the control element can be powered via the control unit, eliminating the need for a separate power supply or battery. In particular, the controller unit is connected to the control unit via the USB connection, both for signal transmission and conduction.

[0023] The control element preferably has an actuator unit. The actuator unit is signal-connected to the control unit. The actuator unit is designed such that an actuator signal can be output to the user. This makes it possible for the user to receive feedback in the form of the actuator signal based on the detected gesture by the control element, thus enabling visualization of the user's input. This ensures an intuitive link between the actuator signal and the input via the control element.

[0024] Preferably, the actuator unit is located within the housing. This ensures that the actuator unit is protected from external influences.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuator signal is designed as a haptic signal. The actuator unit is configured such that the control element is moved, in particular vibrated, relative to the housing. As a result, the user clearly perceives the actuator signal despite the simultaneous visual load caused by the display of the game on at least one monitor and receives haptic feedback for the input made using the input unit.

[0026] The actuator unit preferably includes structure-borne sound transducers. The structure-borne sound transducers easily convert an electrical signal into a haptic signal based on the specific signal. The control element serves as a vibrating surface and is set into vibration by the structure-borne sound transducers, allowing the user to reliably perceive the actuator signal by continuously operating the control element.

[0027] The actuator signal can be embodied as an acoustic signal. The actuator unit includes a loudspeaker. This provides an alternative form of representation of the actuator signal that can be clearly perceived by the user, parallel to the visual load caused by the game being displayed on at least one monitor.

[0028] Preferably, a lighting unit is provided for illuminating the control element. The lighting unit is signal-connected to the control unit. This allows the lighting unit to be controlled automatically by the control unit. This occurs, in particular, based on the specific signal from the recognition unit, so that an additional visual stimulus can also be created for the user. However, this visual representation is designed such that the user's focus remains on the at least one monitor, and the user perceives the lighting of the control element incidentally.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lighting unit is arranged circumferentially on the control element. The lighting element can be arranged directly adjacent to the frame of the control element. The lighting unit is designed to provide background illumination for the control element.

[0030] Preferably, the lighting unit is designed as an LED matrix. The LED matrix makes it easy to create an animation of the lighting unit's light, allowing the animation to demonstrate gestures for operating the input unit to the user.

[0031] Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0032] In the description, claims, and drawings, the terms and associated reference symbols used in the list of reference symbols below are used. In the drawings, the following definitions apply: Fig. 1 a schematic view of the slot machine.

[0033] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the gaming machine 10. The gaming machine 10 has an operating element 12 and a control unit 14. The operating element 12 is connected to the control unit 14 via signaling.

[0034] The control element 12 has a touch field 16, a detection unit 18, a storage unit 20, a lighting unit 22, an actuator unit 24 and a controller unit 26.

[0035] The gaming machine 10 has a housing with a control panel. The control panel extends horizontally toward the user. The touch panel 16 is detachably connected to the housing. Above the control panel, several monitors 30 are connected to the housing, on which the game is displayed. The control unit 14 is connected to the monitors 30 via signal technology. For better clarity, Fig. 1 only one monitor 30 is shown.

[0036] The touch panel 16 is formed by an active layer and a protective layer. The protective layer is arranged on the active layer and protects it from external influences. The touch panel 16 can have various shapes and, in this embodiment, has a rectangular shape.

[0037] The recognition unit 18 comprises several motion sensors that detect a user's gestures with the touch panel 16. The recognition unit 18 is signal-connected to the controller unit 26. The recognition unit 18 is formed in the active layer.

[0038] Predetermined parameters and conditions are stored in the memory unit 20. These parameters and conditions represent reference values ​​for the motion sensors. The memory unit 20 is connected to the controller unit 26 via signal transmission.

[0039] The controller unit 26 is designed as a control board and controls the control element 12. The controller unit 26 compares the data detected by the motion sensors with the reference values ​​or conditions stored in the memory unit 20. Based on this comparison, a specific signal is generated. The controller unit 26 is connected to the control unit 14 via a USB connection.

[0040] The lighting unit 22 is designed as an LED matrix and is used to provide background illumination for the touch panel 16. The LED matrix is ​​connected to the controller unit 26 for signal processing. The LED matrix enables the touch panel 16 to be animated, allowing the user to see specific gestures for operating the touch panel 16.

[0041] The actuator unit 24 is designed to provide the user with feedback regarding their inputs in the form of gestures on the touch field 16. The actuator unit 24 includes structure-borne sound transducers. The actuator unit 24 is signal-connected to the controller unit 26. Based on the specific signal, the actuator unit 24 is controlled such that the touch field 16 is set into vibration to provide the user with haptic feedback. The actuator unit 24 is arranged within the housing of the gaming machine 10.

[0042] The actuator unit 24 also includes a loudspeaker. The loudspeaker is arranged within the housing of the gaming machine 10. Based on the specific signal, the actuator unit 24 is controlled such that the user is given acoustic feedback through the loudspeaker.

[0043] Various menu information for the slot machine game is stored in the control unit 14. Based on the specific signal from the controller unit 26, specific menu information is displayed on the monitors 30.

[0044] The design of the gaming machine 10 increases the gaming comfort for the user in a simple manner and also enables specific menu information to be displayed on the monitors 30 using specific gestures by the user via the control element 12. The user can operate the gaming machine 10 in an ergonomically advantageous position. List of reference symbols 10 slot machine 12 Control element 14 Control unit 16 touch field 18 Detection unit 20 storage units 22 Lighting unit 24 Actuator unit 26 Controller unit 28 USB connection 30 monitors QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2018 010 071 A1

[0009]

Claims

[1] Gaming machine (10), comprising a housing with a control panel, an operating element (12) for operating the gaming machine (10), a control unit (14) and at least one monitor for displaying the game, wherein the at least one monitor (30) is connected to the housing, wherein the control panel is arranged vertically below the at least one monitor (30), wherein the operating element (12) is connected to the control panel, wherein the operating element (12) is signal-connected to the control unit (14), wherein the at least one monitor (30) is signal-connected to the control unit (14), wherein the operating element (12) has a recognition unit (18), wherein the recognition unit (18) comprises a sensor unit with at least one sensor, and wherein the recognition unit (18) is designed to recognize gestures of the user, characterized byin that the operating element (12) has a memory unit (20), wherein predetermined parameters and / or conditions are stored in the memory unit (20), wherein the recognition unit (18) is designed such that the predetermined parameters and / or conditions are compared with the measured values ​​of the sensor unit, and wherein the recognition unit (18) is designed such that when a condition is fulfilled or the parameter corresponds, a specific signal is forwarded to the control unit (14), and wherein a plurality of menu information items are stored in the control unit (14), wherein specific menu information is visualized on the monitor (30) on the basis of the specific signal of the recognition unit (18). [2] Gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized by that the operating element (12) is arranged in the housing in a horizontal direction forwards with respect to the user at a distance from at least one monitor (30). [3] Gaming machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sensor unit has at least one motion or acceleration sensor. [4] Gaming machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sensor unit comprises several sensors. [5] Gaming machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the operating element (12) is detachably connected to the housing. [6] Gaming machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the operating element (12) comprises a controller unit (26), wherein the controller unit (26) is connected to the control unit (14) by signaling. [7] Gaming machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the detection unit (18) comprises an active layer, a protective layer and a frame, wherein the frame connects the active layer and the protective layer, wherein the protective layer is arranged on the active layer, and wherein the active layer comprises the sensor unit. [8] Gaming machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control element (12) is connected to the control unit (14) via a USB connection. [9] Gaming machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the operating element (12) has an actuator unit (24), wherein the actuator unit (24) is connected to the control unit (14) in terms of signaling, and wherein the actuator unit (24) is designed such that an actuator signal (24) can be output to the user. [10] Gaming machine according to claim 9, characterized by that the actuator unit (24) is arranged within the housing. [11] Gaming machine according to claims 9 or 10, characterized by that the actuator signal is designed as a haptic signal, wherein the actuator unit (24) is designed such that the operating element (12) is moved with respect to the housing, in particular is set into vibration. [12] Gaming machine according to one of claims 11, characterized by that the actuator unit (24) comprises structure-borne sound transducers. [13] Gaming machine according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized by that the actuator signal is designed as an acoustic signal, wherein the actuator unit (24) has a loudspeaker. [14] Gaming machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a lighting unit (22) for illuminating the operating element, wherein the lighting unit (22) is connected to the control unit (14) by signaling. [15] Gaming machine according to claim 14, characterized bythat the lighting unit (22) is arranged circumferentially on the operating element (12), wherein the lighting unit (22) is designed for background lighting of the operating element (12). [16] Gaming machine according to claim 15, characterized by that the lighting unit (22) is designed as an LED matrix.

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