Hemispherical Foot Input Device for Seated Gaming Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic gaming machines require hand-operated controls, which may not be suitable for casino environments where players prefer to sit, and existing foot-operated input devices are not ideal for casino settings due to standing requirements.
Innovation Solution
A foot-operated input device with a hemispherical body, load sensors, accelerometers, and haptic feedback, allowing players to control gaming machines with foot movements while seated, featuring a base with rollers for three-dimensional motion and electromagnetic levitation for stability and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hand-operated controls are used in electronic gaming machines, then the control interface is simple and reliable, but it is not suitable for casino environments where players prefer to sit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional hand-operated mechanical controls with a foot-operated input device that uses sensors to detect foot pressure and movement. This allows players to operate the gaming machine while seated, improving comfort without significantly increasing interface complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a foot pad as an intermediary between the player's foot and the control system. The foot pad contains sensors that detect pressure and transmit signals to the gaming machine, enabling foot-based control while maintaining a simple interaction model
2Ease of operation
If foot-operated input devices require standing, then foot input is enabled, but it is not ideal for casino settings where players prefer to sit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hemispherical body that can rotate and tilt dynamically in response to foot pressure. This dynamic design allows the device to be operated from a seated position, as the spherical shape enables movement detection without requiring the player to stand
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds rotational and tilting dimensions to the foot-operated input device. By detecting angular motion and pressure distribution in multiple dimensions, the device enables seated operation while maintaining full foot input capability
3Measurement precision
If load sensors and accelerometers are added to detect foot pressure and motion, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensor functions into a single foot pad assembly. The load sensor detects pressure magnitude while the accelerometer detects directional movement, allowing one compact component to provide comprehensive foot input detection without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
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
Enables players to interact with gaming machines using foot movements while seated, providing intuitive control and haptic feedback, enhancing gaming experience in casino settings.
Implementation Method 1
a load sensor configured to detect pressure applied to the foot pad by the foot of a user
Implementation Method 2
an accelerometer in the body configured to detect angular motion of the body in response to the pressure applied to the foot pad
Implementation Method 3
the body may be spaced apart from the base by electromagnetic levitation due to interaction of magnetic fields generated by the fixed magnet and the electromagnet
Data Source
AI summary
An input device includes a body having a generally hemispherical shape including a flat side and a curved side opposite the flat side, a foot pad on the flat side of the body, the foot pad including a foot rest position for receiving a foot of a user, a load sensor configured to detect pressure applied to the foot pad by the foot of a user, an accelerometer in the body configured to detect angular motion of the body in response to the pressure applied to the foot pad, and an output circuit coupled to the pressure sensor and to the accelerometer and configured to output data generated by the pressure sensor and the accelerometer.