Gaming Push-Button Light Dissipation via Textured Side Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming terminals and their input devices, such as buttons, are prone to damage and wear due to frequent use and misuse, leading to reduced reliability and longevity, which affects the entertainment value and profitability of gaming machines.
Innovation Solution
A light-transmissive push-button device with a textured surface and a side wall that extends downwardly from the button lens, featuring a light source positioned below the side wall to illuminate the textured surface, providing uniform lighting and reducing the need for an illuminated bezel, thus enhancing durability and visual appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source is positioned below the side wall to illuminate the button lens, then the visual appeal and user experience are improved through even illumination, but the device complexity increases due to additional lighting components
Solution Approach 1:
A light-transmissive side wall is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and the button lens. The side wall extends downwardly from the button lens and allows light to pass through, illuminating the button from below while maintaining structural integrity and reducing the need for additional illuminated bezels
Solution Approach 2:
The side wall serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, acts as a light guide to distribute illumination evenly across the button lens, and eliminates the need for separate illuminated bezel components. This merging of functions reduces overall device complexity despite adding the lighting feature
2Productivity
If gaming terminals are placed in high-traffic areas for increased profitability, then productivity and revenue are improved, but the reliability and longevity of input devices deteriorate due to continuous use and misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The button lens is designed with inherent protection features including a protective coating or laminate applied to the surface before deployment. This pre-applied protection cushioning layer prevents damage from frequent use, spills, and misuse, allowing the terminal to maintain reliability in high-traffic environments
Solution Approach 2:
The button lens is constructed from composite materials that combine durability with aesthetic properties. The composite structure provides resistance to wear, impact, and environmental factors while maintaining visual appeal, enabling the terminal to withstand continuous use in profitable high-traffic locations
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 increases the reliability and longevity of gaming machine input devices by providing even illumination without 'hot spots', improving the user experience and reducing maintenance costs while maintaining visual appeal.
Implementation Method 1
A light source is disposed below the second end of the side wall. The light source is operative to transmit light into the side wall such that the perimeter of the push-button device is illuminated at the textured surface.
Implementation Method 2
The textured surface is configured to dissipate the light over a substantial portion of the textured surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A player-input device for a gaming system includes a light-transmissive button lens comprising interior and exterior surfaces extending to an outside perimeter. A textured surface is located along the outside perimeter of the button lens. A light source is disposed below a bottom edge of the button lens. The light source is operative to transmit light into the button lens such that the outside perimeter is illuminated at the textured surface. The textured surface is configured to dissipate the light over a substantial portion of the textured surface.