Angled Button Panel for Video Poker Terminal Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming terminals, such as video poker machines, lack an ergonomic design that enhances player interaction and entertainment value, leading to reduced player engagement and profitability.
Innovation Solution
A video poker terminal with a housing featuring a first plurality of mechanical buttons at an angle of 10° to 45° for card displays and a second plurality of buttons, including a wager and card-dealing button, positioned at a lesser angle for ergonomic player input, along with a method for conducting a draw poker game using these buttons to enhance player interaction and entertainment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical buttons are positioned at a steeper angle (10° to 45°) for card displays, then card visibility and display clarity are improved, but player accessibility and operational comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The button panel is segmented into two distinct groups: a first plurality of mechanical buttons positioned at a steeper angle (10° to 45°) for displaying cards with clear visibility, and a second plurality of mechanical buttons positioned at a shallower angle for ergonomic player input. This segmentation allows each group to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.
2Measurement precision
If buttons are positioned for optimal card display visibility, then display precision is improved, but player interaction speed and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The button panel is divided into two functional zones: one optimized for display precision with steeper angles, and another optimized for interaction speed with shallower angles, allowing players to efficiently access both functions without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the button panel have different angular orientations tailored to their specific functions. The card display buttons have steeper angles for optimal viewing, while the wager and dealing buttons have shallower angles for ergonomic thumb access, ensuring each local area has the quality needed for its purpose.
3Device complexity
If a single plane angle is used for all buttons, then device simplicity is maintained, but player comfort and interaction efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The button panel is segmented into two distinct groups with different angular orientations. This segmentation introduces minimal complexity while dramatically improving player comfort by allowing ergonomic positioning for different interaction types.
Solution Approach 2:
Different angular orientations are applied to different regions of the button panel based on their specific functions. This local differentiation enhances player comfort without requiring complete redesign of the entire panel, maintaining a balance between simplicity and ergonomics.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a video poker terminal comprising a housing, first mechanical buttons, and second mechanical buttons. The housing has a horizontal plane that is generally parallel to a floor. The first mechanical buttons are generally located on a plane that intersects the horizontal plane at a first angle α that is in a range from approximately 10° to 45°. Each of the first buttons produces an output signal in response to a predetermined movement of the button, and includes a variable display for displaying a card. The second mechanical buttons are located below the first mechanical buttons. Each of the second mechanical buttons is located on a plane that intersects the horizontal plane at a second angle β that is less than the first angle α. The first mechanical buttons rotate around a pivotable axis that is located on their ends opposite of the second mechanical buttons.