Modular Gaming Buttons With Wireless Power for Fast Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional button decks in gaming machines require complete removal for maintenance, leading to downtime and limited placement options due to physical power and communication connections, and lack flexibility in design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
Modular buttons with a dynamic display and wireless power/communication capabilities, allowing for quick replacement and interchangeability, and the use of interactive surface displays that can be mounted to a common base or embedded in gaming machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional button decks are used with physical power and communication connections, then reliable power and data transmission is achieved, but maintenance requires complete removal of the button deck causing downtime and the design lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The button deck is divided into individual modular button units, each capable of independent removal and replacement. This segmentation allows maintenance of single buttons without removing the entire button deck, reducing downtime and improving maintenance ease while maintaining design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular buttons are designed with universal interfaces for power and communication connections that can accommodate different button types and configurations. This universality enables flexible design arrangements while maintaining reliable power and data transmission across all button units.
2Ease of operation
If modular buttons with wireless power and communication capabilities are used, then design flexibility and ease of replacement are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Physical wired connections for power and communication are replaced with wireless technologies (inductive power and wireless communication modules). This substitution eliminates the need for physical connectors and cables, simplifying the replacement process while the modular architecture manages the inherent complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transmission mode changes from physical electrical contact to inductive wireless power transfer. This parameter change enables easier replacement of buttons without dealing with physical connectors, improving replacement ease while the systematic implementation manages the added complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interactive surface displays are embedded in gaming machines, then player engagement and functionality are enhanced, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interactive surface display is divided into modular segments that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing processes and easier assembly while maintaining enhanced functionality and player engagement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular button units with integrated display capabilities are designed to nest within the gaming machine structure. This nesting approach simplifies assembly by allowing pre-assembled modular units to be integrated into the final product, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining enhanced functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are gaming systems, methods and machines that include one or more modular buttons. In particular, a modular button is configured for mounting within a frame or panel. The modular button may be interchangeable, such that various modular buttons may be added, exchanged, and/or removed from the frame. In some examples, the frame may be formed of a metal or other structural material. In some examples, the frame may be formed within a surface of another system, such as a bar-top, a gaming table, or an EGM, as a non-limiting listing of examples. The modular buttons include devices and/or circuitry to enable wireless transfer of power and/or communications.