Active Display Button with Rotating Indicator for Gaming Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming machines lack features that provide enhanced excitement and increased opportunities for winning, despite existing features like progressive jackpots and feature games.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an active display button with a housing portion, engagement portion, and a switch mechanism, which includes a rotating indicator or lights, capable of modifying game elements such as prize awards, bonus rounds, and reel spins, and can be triggered by various events including game outcomes and remote server signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional gaming machine features (progressive jackpots, feature games) are used, then player interest is maintained to some extent, but player excitement and winning opportunities are not sufficiently enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a button with a rotating indicator that physically moves and changes position during gameplay. This dynamic element provides visual feedback and enhances player engagement, directly addressing the need for increased player excitement while maintaining traditional gaming features
Solution Approach 2:
The button is segmented into multiple functional components: a housing portion, an engagement portion, and a rotating indicator. This segmentation allows each component to serve a specific function - the housing provides structure, the engagement portion receives input, and the rotating indicator provides visual feedback - thereby enhancing overall functionality and player interaction
2Ease of operation
If static buttons are used in gaming machines, then device simplicity is maintained, but player engagement and interaction are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single button assembly: the housing portion provides structural support, the engagement portion receives player input, and the rotating indicator provides visual feedback. This consolidation enhances player engagement while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple and manageable
3Stability of the object's composition
If feature games are triggered by predetermined events only, then game structure is maintained, but player excitement and varied experiences are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating indicator provides continuous visual feedback to the player during gameplay. As the indicator rotates and changes position, it communicates game state information to the player, creating a more interactive and engaging experience while maintaining the underlying game structure and predetermined trigger events
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances player engagement by providing dynamic and interactive elements that increase winning opportunities and excitement, allowing for varied game experiences and interactions.
Implementation Method 1
a switch mechanism coupled to the engagement portion
Implementation Method 2
an active display disposed within the housing portion and visible through the engagement portion wherein the active display further includes one or more lights
Data Source
AI summary
The claimed embodiments contemplate methods, systems and apparatuses directed to an active display button. In various embodiments, an active display button may generally be a button containing one or more elements that move when the button is engaged. By example, and not limitation, these elements may include one or more reels, be they mechanical or video, or perhaps a rotating indicator. The active display button may also include lights, vibratory motors and other experience-enhancing implements. The active display button may be installed on a gaming machine and operated in conjunction with the gaming device, separate from the gaming machine on which it is installed or perhaps as part of the operation of the gaming machine.