Hybrid Display Area With Dynamic Button Deck For EGMs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic gaming machines (EGMs) face challenges such as high costs due to multiple mechanical button rows, limited flexibility in offering various wagering games on a single machine, and the need for multiple machines to accommodate different games, which increases operational expenses.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a hybrid display area with a touchscreen input component and a dynamic button deck on EGMs, allowing for the display of different game options and user input configurations based on the selected game, thereby enabling the same machine to support multiple game types and wagering options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple mechanical button rows are used to support different wagering games, then game versatility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegame versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal button deck where a single physical button serves multiple functions across different game types. The button maintains its physical presence for tactile feedback while its displayed function changes dynamically based on the active game, eliminating the need for separate button rows for different games.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces multiple mechanical button rows with a single mechanical button combined with electronic display elements. The display portion of the button can show different symbols, text, or indicators depending on the game being played, substituting the need for multiple physical buttons with electronic reconfigurability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple mechanical button rows are used for different games, then game versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegame versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal button deck where a single physical button serves multiple functions across different game types. The button maintains its physical presence for tactile feedback while its displayed function changes dynamically based on the active game, eliminating the need for separate button rows for different games.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of multiple button rows into a single button assembly. By combining the physical actuation mechanism with a reconfigurable display element, the design consolidates what would traditionally require separate components into one integrated unit, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple machines are used to accommodate different games, then game selection flexibility is improved, but operational cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegame selection flexibilityVSAvoidoperational cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal button deck where a single physical button serves multiple functions across different game types. The button maintains its physical presence for tactile feedback while its displayed function changes dynamically based on the active game, eliminating the need for separate button rows for different games.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If a single machine supports multiple game types, then operational cost is reduced, but interface adaptability across different games becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational costVSAvoidinterface adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the button's display characteristics changeable based on the active game. The button can dynamically alter its visual presentation, symbols, and indicators to match the requirements of different game types, allowing a single static physical component to serve multiple dynamic functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal button deck where a single physical button serves multiple functions across different game types. The button maintains its physical presence for tactile feedback while its displayed function changes dynamically based on the active game, eliminating the need for separate button rows for different games.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250157281A1Electronic gaming machine including hybrid virtual and physical button area
Publication Date: 2025.05.15 ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • US20250157281A1 patent drawing
  • US20250157281A1 patent drawing
  • US20250157281A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic gaming machine is provided. The electronic gaming machine includes a game controller configured to execute at least one wagering game, a credit input device configured to receive a wager, a first display configured to prompt a user to select a wagering game from the at least one wagering game executable by the game controller, and a second display. The second display includes a hybrid display area including a touchscreen input component and a dynamic button deck assembly configured to receive player input during play of a user-selected wagering game. The dynamic button deck assembly includes a button deck display area and a dynamic button deck having at least one mechanical push button including a lens cap.