Gaming Machine Power Control via Sensing Path Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern gaming machines face issues with improper seating and connection of component boards, leading to errors and potential damage when voltage is applied, as existing technologies lack effective safeguards to ensure proper connectivity and component safety.
Innovation Solution
A gaming system with a backplane board and primary board that includes a power path and sensing path, where an electronic device controls power flow, deactivating it if any connectors are improperly coupled, ensuring that power is only supplied when all connectors are fully seated, thereby protecting sensitive components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage is applied to components during system operation, then system functionality is maintained, but components may be damaged if improperly seated
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing path detects connector seating status before voltage is applied to components. The system performs a preliminary check of all connector connections through the sensing path, and only enables power delivery after confirming proper seating, thus preventing voltage damage before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing path acts as an intermediary between the connector seating status and the power delivery system. It monitors connection integrity and controls the enabling/disabling of power paths, serving as a protective mediator that prevents direct voltage application to improperly seated components
2Reliability
If sensing paths are implemented to detect connector status, then component protection is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing path is merged with the existing backplane structure and connector assembly. Rather than adding separate independent sensing systems, the patent integrates sensing traces directly into the backplane circuitry, combining the structural support and sensing functions into a unified design that minimizes additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The backplane serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for connectors, establishes electrical connections for power and data, and simultaneously acts as the sensing path for detecting connector seating status. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensing structures
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 system effectively prevents damage by ensuring that power is only supplied when all connectors are properly seated, enhancing the safety and integrity of the gaming machine's operation by automatically detecting and addressing improper connections.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing path traversing the backplane board, the primary board (via the one or more additional ports), the electronic device, and a connection to ground of the primary board when the one or more additional port/connector pairs are properly coupled
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming system includes circuitry and associated methodology for detection of continuity along one or more sensing paths for determination of the presence and proper seating of one or more component boards to each other and a backplane, having an arbitrary number of couplings. The invention controls voltage to one or more components of the gaming system, enabling selective activation of various components, on one or more of the connected boards, based on the proper seating of component boards to each other and a backplane. The invention implements dynamic configuration of sensing paths (defined by signal paths and signal traversal) and subsequent continuity detection through interfacing connector/port pairs, in combination with specifically placed electronic components and local ground connections along the sensing paths, to control powering selective system components based upon a detection of the presence and proper seating of multiple component boards to each other and a backplane.