Retractable Utility Hook and Sensor Assembly for Gaming Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming terminals lack convenient storage solutions for personal items and fail to alert players about forgotten belongings, leading to potential theft and loss.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a retractable utility hook and sensor assembly within the gaming terminal's cabinet to securely hang personal items and alert players if they leave without their belongings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gaming terminals are equipped with storage solutions for personal items, then player convenience and security are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The utility hook is integrated into the existing cabinet structure of the gaming terminal, merging the storage function with the terminal's framework. The sensor assembly is incorporated into the cabinet door or wall, combining security monitoring with the terminal's physical structure. This merging approach adds storage and security capabilities without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly automatically detects when personal items are present on the utility hook and generates alerts without requiring player intervention. The system self-monitors and communicates status information to the player through the terminal's display or audio output, eliminating the need for manual checking or additional complex control interfaces.
2Reliability
If sensor assemblies are integrated to detect personal items, then security and player awareness are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly provides continuous feedback about the presence or absence of personal items on the utility hook. This feedback is transmitted to the player through the terminal's existing display or audio systems, creating a closed-loop system that enhances security without requiring complex additional output devices. The feedback mechanism ensures players are promptly notified if they leave items behind.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly serves multiple functions: detecting the presence of personal items, monitoring the utility hook status, and triggering alert sequences. By designing a multi-functional sensor system, the patent reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high reliability for personal belongings security.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If utility hooks are made retractable for security, then protection against theft is improved, but ease of use decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The utility hook is designed to be retractable rather than fixed, allowing it to extend when needed and retract when not in use. This dynamic configuration provides security by limiting access to personal items when the hook is retracted, while maintaining ease of use by extending automatically or on-demand when players need to store items. The dynamic nature resolves the contradiction between security and accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Gaming terminals, gaming machines, gaming systems and utility hook and sensor assemblies are presented. A gaming terminal for playing a wagering game is disclosed. The gaming terminal includes a cabinet, at least one display device configured to display aspects of the wagering game, and at least one input device configured to receive an input from a player to play the wagering game. The gaming terminal also includes a support mechanism that is attached to the cabinet and is configured to support a personal belonging of the player. An alert system is configured to detect the presence or absence, or both, of the personal belonging and/or the player at the gaming terminal, and generate an alert signal in response to the detected presence or absence.