Modular Visual Output Component for Gaming Light Towers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light towers on gaming machines are custom-built and lack flexibility in terms of height and color configuration, making them inefficient for varying regulatory requirements and venue-specific needs.
Innovation Solution
A modular visual output component system featuring interconnected modules with multi-colored light sources and displays, allowing for customizable light towers of any height and configuration, with interlocking connectors for easy assembly and control via a common power source and control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom-built light towers are used to meet specific venue needs, then the visual output can be tailored to regulatory requirements, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light tower is divided into multiple modular segments, each containing standardized visual output devices. These segments can be independently manufactured and then assembled in different configurations to meet various regulatory requirements, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
Each modular segment is designed with universal connectors and standardized interfaces that allow the same component to be used in multiple different configurations. The visual output devices can serve multiple functions across different jurisdictions by simply reconfiguring the modular assembly rather than building custom towers for each requirement
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed-height light towers are manufactured, then production is simplified, but the adaptability to different venue requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light tower structure is segmented into standardized modular units of fixed dimensions. Each module is manufactured using the same production processes, ensuring consistency and efficiency. The segments are then combined in varying quantities to create light towers of different heights suitable for various venues
Solution Approach 2:
The modular segments are designed to nest or stack together in a standardized manner, with each segment containing standardized connectors that interface with adjacent segments. This allows efficient storage and assembly while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for each individual module
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular components with interlocking connectors are used, then assembly flexibility and scalability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking connectors are designed as universal interfaces that work across all modular segments. The same connector design is used throughout the system, allowing segments to be connected in various configurations without requiring different connector types, thus enabling scalability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements (visual output devices, connectors, housing components) are merged into integrated modular segments. Each segment is a self-contained unit that combines several functions, reducing the number of separate components and connections needed while maintaining assembly flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
In a first aspect there is provided a modular visual output component for a gaming machine, including a housing, at least one visual output device, an input connector electrically coupled to the visual output device, and an output connector electrically coupled to the input connector. The input and output connectors being arranged relative to the housing and shaped such that the output connector can be connected to an input connector of a further modular visual output component having the same configuration with the modular visual output components abutting one another, whereby two or more modular visual output components can be joined to one another and supplied from a common power source.