Configurable Button Panel for Gaming Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming machines lack the ability to dynamically reconfigure their button panels to accommodate various game themes and selections, limiting player engagement and operator flexibility in offering unique entertainment experiences.
Innovation Solution
A gaming machine with a physically configurable button panel that includes removable mechanical buttons and an input panel producing output signals in response to predetermined movements, allowing for dynamic configuration of button functions and themes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed button panels are used in gaming machines, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different game themes and selections is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The button panel transitions from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable system. Buttons can be physically removed and repositioned to different locations on the panel, allowing the gaming machine to adapt its interface layout to match different game themes and selections, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The button panel is segmented into individual removable buttons rather than a fixed integrated structure. Each button can be independently positioned, allowing flexible reconfiguration of the panel layout to support multiple game themes while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If technicians manually reconfigure button panels for different games, then the adaptability to various game themes is improved, but the time and labor required for reconfiguration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service reconfiguration through player-friendly interfaces. Players can access configuration menus and reposition buttons according to the selected game theme without requiring technician intervention, significantly reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining high adaptability to different game themes.
Solution Approach 2:
Button configurations for different game themes are pre-programmed into the system. When a player selects a specific game theme, the system automatically retrieves and applies the corresponding pre-configured button layout, eliminating manual reconfiguration time while maintaining adaptability to various game themes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more game selections are offered in a cabinet, then the entertainment value and player attraction increase, but the need for instant reconfiguration of interface elements becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple button configuration sets corresponding to different game themes are pre-configured and stored in the system memory. When a player selects from the available game selections, the system automatically loads the appropriate button configuration, providing instant reconfiguration that maintains ease of operation while supporting a large number of game selections.
Solution Approach 2:
The button panel system dynamically adapts its configuration based on the selected game. The transition between different game themes and their corresponding button layouts is seamless and automatic, maintaining ease of operation while enabling support for numerous game selections through dynamic reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect of the invention, a gaming machine for conducting a wagering game, comprising a physically configurable button panel and at least one mechanical button removably disposed in the button panel. The gaming machine also comprises an input panel disposed adjacent to the button to produce an output signal in response to a predetermined movement of the button and a controller for initiating a function in response to the output signal.