Gaming Device Meter Shield with Optically Restrictive Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming devices do not effectively obscure event indicators from unauthorized viewers while allowing authorized viewers to see them, which can lead to issues like employee theft and regulatory non-compliance.
Innovation Solution
A gaming device with a cabinet featuring a front surface partially covered with an optically restrictive material, such as a metallic substance or polarized glass, where indicators are positioned to be visible only when illuminated, ensuring that they remain hidden from casual observers but can be easily viewed by authorized personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a reflective surface is used to illuminate counters, then visibility of counters is improved, but unauthorized viewers can still see the counters
Solution Approach 1:
A shield member is introduced as an intermediary component between the counter and the viewer. This shield is positioned to block the line of sight for unauthorized viewers while allowing authorized viewers to view the counter through a window or opening in the shield, thus mediating the visibility issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield member is segmented with a window or opening that selectively allows light to pass through. This segmentation enables the shield to block unauthorized viewing while permitting authorized viewing, resolving the contradiction between privacy protection and legitimate access.
2Ease of operation
If indicators are made visible to all viewers, then ease of operation is improved, but security and regulatory compliance are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The shield member has different optical properties in different regions: it is opaque in most areas to block unauthorized viewing, but has a window or opening in specific locations to allow authorized viewing. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between universal visibility and selective access.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a fully opaque shield is used, then unauthorized viewing is prevented, but authorized viewing is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is segmented with a window or opening that allows authorized viewers to view the counter while the rest of the shield remains opaque to block unauthorized viewing. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between complete privacy protection and legitimate access.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the shield have different optical properties: the main body is opaque for security, while the window area is transparent for authorized viewing. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between security and accessibility.
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
This solution enhances security by preventing unauthorized access to event indicators while allowing authorized personnel to easily view important notifications, reducing the time needed for service personnel to read indicators and aiding in regulatory compliance.
Implementation Method 1
A reflective surface is coupled to an interior surface of the cover member in order to reflect light from the LED onto the counters to render the counters visible when the LED is activated
Implementation Method 2
at least a portion of the front surface includes an optically restrictive material
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming device includes a cabinet having a front surface, wherein at least a portion of the front surface includes an optically restrictive material. The gaming device also includes at least one indicator positioned with respect to the optically restrictive material, wherein the at least one indicator is configured to display an event indication through said optically restrictive material when illuminated by light.