Mechanical Wheel Bonus Game With Segmented Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing combination display and mechanical wheel bonus games for electronic gaming machines that do not exceed mandated electromagnetic emissions limits has proven challenging, as slip rings used for power and data communication often produce undesirable electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wheel-based bonus game system with a hub-centered wheel design, where each wheel segment can be raised and lowered, and an indicator rotates to indicate the winning segment, providing a visual wave effect without the need for EM-producing slip rings, thus minimizing electromagnetic radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If slip rings are used for power and data communication in the mechanical wheel, then the wheel can be controlled and displayed, but electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the slip ring component from the mechanical wheel system entirely. Instead of using slip rings for power and data communication, the invention uses a display device that can be selectively activated without requiring continuous electrical contact during wheel rotation, thereby eliminating the source of electromagnetic interference while preserving wheel control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic communication system (slip rings) with a mechanical/display-based system. The display device is integrated with the wheel mechanism in a way that allows visual information to be presented without requiring electromagnetic signal transmission through rotating contacts, thus substituting an electromagnetic problem with a mechanical solution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a display device is integrated with the mechanical wheel, then player engagement is enhanced, but electromagnetic emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wheel system into distinct functional segments: the mechanical wheel structure for rotation and the display device for visual information. These segments are integrated in a way that allows the display to be activated independently of the wheel's rotational movement, enabling enhanced player engagement without the electromagnetic emissions associated with traditional integrated display systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device is activated periodically or selectively based on wheel position or game state rather than continuously. This periodic activation maintains player engagement by providing visual feedback at appropriate moments while minimizing electromagnetic emissions by keeping the display inactive during non-critical phases of wheel operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic gaming machines having mechanical or electro-mechanical wheel devices are described herein. The gaming machines include a cabinet, a display coupled to the cabinet, and a wheel coupled to the cabinet. The wheel includes a plurality of wheel segments positioned axially about a center point of the wheel. The plurality of wheel segments may be configured to rotate about the center point and to transform an appearance of the wheel. The wheel further includes an indicator configured to indicate an indicated wheel segment. The indicator may be configured to rotate about the center point.