Adjustable Button Panel for Gaming Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gaming machines face challenges in facilitating access and use, particularly with the placement and ergonomics of button panels, which can lead to player discomfort and decreased gaming experience due to improper positioning, and the complexity of control mechanisms and lighting schemes that may not align with player preferences, resulting in reduced player engagement and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
The design of gaming machines with vertically adjustable button panels and integrated lighting systems that can be customized based on player preferences, allowing for optimal ergonomic positioning and personalized visual and audio experiences, along with improved access to peripherals through a consolidated and secure door configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the button panel is fixed in a standard position, then the device structure is simple, but player comfort deteriorates due to improper ergonomic positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The button panel is made vertically adjustable rather than fixed, allowing it to move along the cabinet front surface. This dynamic positioning enables the panel to be adjusted to different heights to match player ergonomics, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple structure and improving player comfort through proper positioning.
2Productivity
If multiple peripheral devices are accessed through separate doors, then each device is securely enclosed, but access time increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple peripheral devices (bill acceptor, coin acceptor, coin hopper, ticket printer) that were previously accessed through separate doors are consolidated behind a single door. This merging of access points allows technicians to service multiple devices through one door opening, significantly improving access efficiency and operational productivity while maintaining secure enclosure of all devices.
3Ease of operation
If the button panel is mounted on the door, then it is easy to install, but it interferes with door opening and closing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The button panel is extracted from the door mounting location and relocated to the cabinet front surface. This separation eliminates the interference between the button panel and door opening/closing operations, allowing the door to move freely without obstruction from the control panel while maintaining easy accessibility for players.
4Adaptability or versatility
If standard lighting schemes are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but player engagement decreases due to lack of personalization
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system enables variation of lighting parameters (intensity, color, patterns) to create different lighting schemes. By allowing these parameters to be changed based on player preferences or game conditions, the system enhances player engagement and adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple underlying lighting infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are gaming machines, including related methods, apparatus, and systems, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for providing a game of chance. Peripheral devices, such as a bill acceptor and ticket printer, are consolidated in a central region of the gaming machine, behind a moveable door of the machine. Doors of the machine, including a door having a display, are moveable in directions along a longitudinal axis of the machine between open and closed positions. An adjustable button panel is moveable to a plurality of positions along the longitudinal axis, independent of the moveable doors. An array of networked displays on one or more gaming machines are controlled to simultaneously output lighting patterns, including synchronized patterns, associated with various events. Designated lighting patterns can also be output on light borders disposed around groups of buttons and other input devices on the button panel. A player interface is coupled to receive player input for setting parameters defining the audio and video presentation of game data on the machine. Contributing to the audio presentation, one or more speakers situated in an upper region of the cabinet are oriented at a downward angle.