Modular Gaming Terminal with Interchangeable Display Modules

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gaming terminals lack flexibility in construction and appearance, requiring costly and time-consuming replacement of entire machines to change configurations, which hinders adaptation to the evolving gaming industry.

Innovation Solution

A modular gaming terminal design featuring a universal core module with interchangeable display and accessory modules, utilizing mechanical mounting interfaces and segmented functional sections to enable easy reconfiguration of cabinet configurations, displays, and aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the entire gaming machine is replaced to change configuration or appearance, then the desired flexibility and adaptability are achieved, but the cost and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidreplacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The gaming machine cabinet is divided into multiple independent modules including display modules, top box modules, button deck modules, and core module. Each module can be independently replaced or reconfigured without affecting the entire machine, enabling rapid adaptation to different game types and appearances while minimizing replacement time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The core module serves as a universal platform that can support multiple different display modules, top box modules, and button deck modules. This multi-functional design allows a single core module to accommodate various game configurations and appearances, providing versatility without requiring complete machine replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire gaming machine is replaced to change configuration or appearance, then the desired flexibility and adaptability are achieved, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The gaming machine cabinet is divided into multiple independent modules including display modules, top box modules, button deck modules, and core module. Each module can be independently replaced or reconfigured without affecting the entire machine, enabling rapid adaptation to different game types and appearances while minimizing replacement time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Individual modules such as display modules, top box modules, and button deck modules can be discarded when outdated or damaged and replaced with new modules, while the core module and other functional modules are retained and reused. This selective replacement approach reduces manufacturing costs by avoiding complete machine replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional fixed cabinet construction is used, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility for reconfiguration is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecabinet stabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gaming machine cabinet is divided into multiple independent modules including display modules, top box modules, button deck modules, and core module. Each module can be independently replaced or reconfigured without affecting the entire machine, enabling rapid adaptation to different game types and appearances while minimizing replacement time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cabinet structure transitions from a fixed, static design to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where modules can be added, removed, or swapped. The core module provides a stable foundation while allowing the upper modules to be dynamically changed to accommodate different game configurations and appearances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9865121B2Modular gaming terminal configurations

Publication Date: 2018.01.09 LNW GAMING INC

AI summary

Gaming machines, gaming systems, modular gaming terminals, and methods for assembling modular gaming machines are disclosed. A gaming machine is presented which includes an input device for receiving wagers to play a wagering game, and a display module with a display device for displaying outcomes of the wagering game. The display device is coupled to a display module housing, which includes a male or a female mounting interface. The gaming machine also includes a core module with an electrical bus that electrically connects to the display device. A core housing, which stows the electrical bus and supports the display module, includes the other one of the male and female mounting interfaces. The female mounting interface receives the male mounting interface such that moving the male interface into the female interface automatically aligns the display module with the core module and removably attaches the core housing to the display housing.