Mobile Topper Unit Positioning for Gaming Machine Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic gaming machines are stationary and lack movable parts, which limits their ability to enhance player engagement through dynamic visual effects and interactions during gameplay.

Innovation Solution

An electronic gaming machine with a mobile topper unit that can move between raised and lowered positions, controlled by a programmed controller to enhance gameplay experiences, such as displaying a jackpot wheel during bonus features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electronic gaming machines are made stationary with no moving parts, then device reliability is improved, but player engagement and visual excitement are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoidplayer engagement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the Dynamics principle by introducing a movable topper component that can transition between different positions (raised and lowered) during gameplay. This movable element adds dynamic visual interest and player engagement without requiring the entire gaming machine to be in motion, thus maintaining reliability while enhancing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a mobile topper unit is added to enhance gameplay dynamics, then player engagement is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegameplay dynamicsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies Segmentation by separating the topper component from the main gaming machine body. The topper is implemented as a distinct, movable unit that can independently change position, allowing the main machine to remain relatively simple while the segmented topper provides enhanced gameplay dynamics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the topper moves between multiple positions during gameplay, then visual excitement is enhanced, but mechanical reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual excitementVSAvoidmechanical reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies Mechanics substitution by replacing complex mechanical moving parts with alternative actuation methods. The topper's movement is achieved through systems that minimize mechanical complexity and potential failure points, such as using controlled positioning mechanisms rather than traditional mechanical linkages, thus maintaining visual excitement while preserving mechanical reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20240428643A1Gaming machines with moveable topper and method of operating the same

Publication Date: 2024.12.26 ARISTOCRAT TECH AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

AI summary

An electronic gaming machine includes a display screen for displaying an electronic game, a mobile topper unit configured to be positioned in a first position and a second position, the first position being a lower position that the second position, and a controller programmed to execute the electronic game and programmed to provide instructions to change the position of the mobile topper unit between the first position and the second position based on an event of the wagering game.