Gaming Machine Button Deck with One-Way Mirror Film
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming machine button configurations require manual hardware changes to alter button functionality and graphics when reconfiguring for different games, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A button design featuring a transparent button cap with a one-way mirror film and a light source beneath it, where the graphical pattern is visible or hidden based on the light source's activation, allowing software-controlled reconfiguration between active and inactive states without hardware changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual hardware changes are made to alter button functionality and graphics when reconfiguring for different games, then button functionality can be changed, but the reconfiguration process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The button design incorporates a light source that can be dynamically controlled to change the button's appearance between active (illuminated with graphic visible) and inactive (mirror appearance) states. This dynamic optical change eliminates the need for manual hardware replacement when reconfiguring for different games, reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manually swapping button caps and chrome blanks with an optical system using a light source and one-way mirror film. The light source, when activated, illuminates the graphic printed on the mirror film, making the button appear active. When inactive, the mirror film reflects light creating a chrome blank appearance. This substitution of mechanical replacement with optical control dramatically reduces reconfiguration time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple button configurations are maintained for different games, then button functionality can be adapted, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The button design makes each button multi-functional by incorporating a one-way mirror film with a printed graphic and a controllable light source. The same button can serve as an active button (when light is on, graphic is visible) or an inactive chrome blank (when light is off, mirror reflection dominates). This universal design eliminates the need for separate button caps and chrome blanks for different configurations, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the button by controlling the light source activation. When the light source is on, the button displays the printed graphic pattern; when off, the one-way mirror film creates a reflective chrome appearance. This parameter change (light on/off) allows a single button structure to fulfill multiple configuration roles, reducing the number of physical components needed while maintaining adaptability across different games.
3Loss of information
If chrome blank buttons are used to indicate inactive buttons, then player communication is clear, but the ability to rapidly reconfigure buttons is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical chrome blank with an optical solution using a one-way mirror film and controlled light source. The mirror film, when not illuminated, provides the same visual communication function as a chrome blank by reflecting light to indicate an inactive button. When the light source is activated, the graphic becomes visible to indicate an active button. This optical substitution maintains clear player communication while enabling rapid software-controlled reconfiguration without manual hardware changes.
4Loss of information
If button graphics are changed to indicate active status, then player communication is improved, but manual hardware switching is required which reduces operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical process of manually installing different button caps with graphics for different games with an optical control system. The light source, controlled by software, illuminates the graphic printed on the one-way mirror film to indicate active button status. This eliminates the need for manual hardware switching while maintaining clear visual communication to players about which buttons are active, significantly improving ease of operation and reconfiguration efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid reconfiguration of button functionality and appearance through software changes, enhancing operational efficiency and clarity for players.
Implementation Method 1
when the light source is off the printed pattern is not visible and the transparent button cap has a mirror appearance
Implementation Method 2
A light source is positioned beneath the transparent button cap
Data Source
AI summary
A button, button deck, and method are disclosed for a gaming machine. A button deck includes multiple mechanical buttons presented along a front shelf of the gaming machine. Buttons include a push button mechanism and a transparent button cap. A one-way mirror film positioned beneath the inner surface of the transparent button cap. A light source is positioned beneath the transparent button cap. A graphical printed pattern is positioned with respect to the light source and the one-way mirror film such that when the light source is active the printed pattern is visible through the one-way mirror film, and when the light source is off the printed pattern is not visible and the transparent button cap has a mirror appearance. The light may be controlled depending on configuration data for the gaming machine, associated with an installed game.