Gaming Machine Input Deck With Edge-Lit Etched Graphics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming machine suppliers face challenges in differentiating premium gaming machines with unique hardware configurations and engaging player interaction, as existing designs lack innovative user input decks and emotive lighting features.
Innovation Solution
A gaming machine featuring a cantilevered user input deck with a transmissive panel and emotive lighting structure, where a plurality of light sources transmit light through the panel to illuminate an etched graphic, enhancing the gaming experience with visible content and interactive buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a traditional opaque input deck is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the visual engagement and player interaction are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a transmissive panel (thin film) that allows light to pass through, replacing traditional opaque materials. This enables the panel to display illuminated graphics and allow visibility of emotive lighting content behind it, creating visual engagement while maintaining a sleek, modern design appropriate for premium gaming machines
Solution Approach 2:
The transmissive panel acts as an intermediary element between the emotive lighting structure and the player. It transmits light from the LED sources behind it while displaying etched graphics, mediating the interaction between the internal lighting system and the external user interface
2Loss of information
If the emotive lighting structure is positioned above the user input deck, then the content is not visible through the panel, but if extended below, then visibility is improved while increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The emotive lighting structure extends vertically in multiple directions - above and below the user input deck - utilizing the vertical dimension to maximize content visibility. This three-dimensional arrangement allows the lighting content to be viewed through the transmissive panel from the player's perspective while maintaining proper illumination
3Adaptability or versatility
If premium gaming machines use standard hardware configurations, then manufacturing costs are controlled, but differentiation from competitors is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple elements into an integrated premium interface: transmissive panel with etched graphics, emotive lighting structure with LED sources, and cantilevered design. This combination creates a unique, differentiated user interface that distinguishes the gaming machine from competitors while maintaining manufacturability through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The etched graphics are selectively applied to specific regions of the transmissive panel, and the emotive lighting structure is positioned to provide targeted illumination. This local quality approach allows differentiation in key visual areas while using standard materials and manufacturing techniques elsewhere
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
The solution provides a visually engaging and interactive user input deck that differentiates the gaming machine, attracting players with immersive lighting effects and improved player interaction, thereby enhancing user engagement and machine differentiation.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of light sources is constructed and arranged to transmit light into the transmissive panel via an edge thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine for operating a wagering game comprises a user input deck and an emotive lighting structure. The user input deck includes a transmissive panel, a plurality of light sources, and an etched graphic. The plurality of light sources is constructed and arranged to transmit light into the transmissive panel via an edge thereof. The etched graphic is etched into a surface of the transmissive panel and is illuminated by the transmitted light. The emotive lighting structure is configured to present content related to the wagering game. The user input deck is disposed between the emotive lighting structure and a player position in front of the gaming machine. The emotive lighting structure extends below a height of the user input deck such that at least a portion of the content is visible through the transmissive panel.