Force Sensitive Multi-Touch Input Device for Gaming Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gaming machines with touch-sensitive input devices lack the ability to effectively control the rate of movement of spinning symbol displays and determine awards based on user input, limiting player interaction and engagement.

Innovation Solution

A gaming system incorporating a force-sensitive multi-touch input device that allows players to control the rate of movement of symbol displays by applying varying forces, with the system determining awards based on the displayed symbols and movement rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If touch-sensitive input devices are used in gaming machines, then player interaction capability is improved, but the ability to control symbol display rate and determine awards is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayer interaction capabilityVSAvoidcontrol capability over symbol display

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by detecting multiple force levels applied to the touch-sensitive input device and mapping these force parameters to different control functions. Light force levels trigger first control actions while heavier force levels trigger second control actions, enabling a single input device to control multiple parameters (symbol display rate, reel stopping) that previously required multiple separate input devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple input devices are used to control different symbol displays, then control versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol versatilityVSAvoidnumber of input devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing a single touch-sensitive input device that performs multiple control functions. The device detects various force levels and directions from players and uses this information to control different aspects of the game including symbol display rate, reel stopping, and award determination, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate input devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple control functions into a single integrated input mechanism. By combining force sensing, touch detection, and multi-directional input capabilities into one device, the system consolidates what would traditionally be separate controls (buttons, levers, or touch inputs for different functions) into a unified interface that players operate with natural hand movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10521997B1Electronic gaming machine having force sensitive multi-touch input device

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A gaming system and particularly electronic gaming machines including a housing, a display device supported by the housing, and a force sensitive multi-touch input device supported by the housing that are configured to enable a player to use the force sensitive multi-touch input device to control the rates of movement of each of one or more of the symbol displays and in certain embodiments to determine awards based on the rates of movement of each of one or more of the symbol displays when the player makes an input.