Gaming Machine Button Deck With Adjustable Ergonomic Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming machines often suffer from poor ergonomics due to fixed button layouts and non-adjustable cabinet placements, leading to player discomfort and reduced satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A gaming machine design featuring an adjustable button deck and pedestal system, including a transparent touchscreen and player tracking card reader, with components that can be adjusted for user comfort and ergonomic flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If buttons are arranged in a standard linear arrangement, then interchangeability and standardization are improved, but player comfort and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The button deck is made adjustable and reconfigurable, allowing players to customize the button layout according to their preferences. The button deck can be positioned at different heights and angles, and buttons can be arranged in various patterns, transforming the static standardized layout into a dynamic customizable one that adapts to individual player needs while maintaining standardization benefits.
2Ease of operation
If gaming machines are placed on box stands to elevate them to a consistent height, then button accessibility is improved, but the footprint at floor level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming machine is divided into separate functional components: the base unit, the adjustable button deck, and the game cabinet. The button deck is detachable and can be independently positioned, allowing the base footprint to be minimized while the button deck is elevated to an ergonomic height when needed, thus separating the footprint consideration from the accessibility requirement.
3Ease of manufacture
If the button panel or button deck is fixed on the front of the cabinet, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but player comfort and game play facilitation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The button deck is designed with adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow it to be repositioned along the cabinet front and at various angles. This dynamic positioning capability maintains manufacturing simplicity through a standardized attachment system while enabling optimal player comfort and ergonomics for different playing styles and cabinet configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine includes a base, a columnar pedestal extending vertically from the base, and a button deck adjustably coupled to the pedestal. The button deck includes an upper surface including a transparent touchscreen element, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, and a button deck body extending therebetween. At least one of the lower surface and the body include one or more transparent display elements, the one or more transparent display elements are configured to generate images of gaming machine control actuators viewable on the upper surface. The transparent touchscreen element is configured to receive touches and gestures indicating control inputs. The gaming machine also includes a player tracking card reader positioned within the button deck and accessible through a slot in a front edge of the button deck, the player tracking card reader communicatively coupled to a player tracking display area of the gaming machine.