Curved Button Deck Display for EGMs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic gaming machines (EGMs) lack an integrated display system that effectively combines player loyalty information with game themes and attract sequences without reducing the main game display area, and do not provide seamless interaction through touch and gesture detection.
Innovation Solution
A button deck module with a curved display system and sensor system for touch and gesture detection, integrated with a haptic feedback system, which controls a portion of the display to show images corresponding to player loyalty and game themes, and communicates with the EGM's control system to simulate continuous motion between the button deck and main display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional flat button deck display is used, then the main game display area is maximized, but player engagement and aesthetic appeal are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the button deck display by replacing traditional flat buttons with curved, three-dimensional display elements. These curved displays can be arranged in arcs or curves, creating an aesthetically pleasing interface that enhances player engagement while maintaining compatibility with the overall gaming machine design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat displays to three-dimensional curved displays. This dimensional change allows the button deck to provide richer visual feedback, better depth perception, and improved player interaction while still fitting within the constraints of the gaming machine form factor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If player loyalty information is displayed separately from game themes, then information clarity is improved, but overall player engagement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges player loyalty information display with game theme displays into a unified curved button deck interface. This integration allows both types of information to be presented together in an aesthetically cohesive manner, enhancing player engagement while maintaining information clarity through the curved display's ability to organize content spatially.
3Ease of operation
If traditional button decks without touch detection are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but interaction seamless is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical button press detection with optical or capacitive touch sensors integrated into the curved display surface. This substitution enables seamless touch and gesture detection while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic and reducing mechanical wear and tear on the button deck components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If haptic feedback is not provided, then device simplicity is maintained, but player engagement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates haptic feedback mechanisms into the curved button deck that provide tactile response to player touches and gestures. This feedback loop enhances player engagement by making the interface feel more responsive and realistic, while the haptic elements are integrated into the existing curved display structure to minimize additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A button deck for an electronic gaming machine (EGM) may have a display system that includes one or more curved display portions. A curved display portion may be curved along an axis that is substantially horizontal when the button deck module is coupled to an EGM. In some examples, a curved display portion may reside along a side of the button deck module that is near (or touching) a player when the button deck module is in use. In some implementations, a curved display portion may be proximate a gaming machine display or a player tracking module when the button deck module is coupled to the EGM. The curvature of a curved display portion may match the curvature of a gaming machine display device. At least a portion of the button deck may be configured to display images corresponding to a game theme and/or an attract sequence.