Mountable Interactive Player Interface for Gaming Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing casino slot machine interfaces lack a flexible and efficient method for mounting interactive displays and input devices near or on gaming devices, limiting player interaction and communication within networked gaming systems.
Innovation Solution
A mounting structure with receivers and a first display is provided, allowing for the retrofitting of networked gaming devices with interactive player interfaces that include a touch-panel LCD and card reader, enabling communication with the casino's computer network and accommodating various mounting configurations, including columns and poles, to facilitate player tracking and cashless play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If preexisting slot machines are retrofitted with communications boards, card readers, displays, and keypads, then player tracking and cashless play functions are enabled, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the communications board, card reader, display, and keypad into an integrated player interface assembly that mounts to the gaming device. This merging of previously separate components into a unified system reduces installation complexity while maintaining all player tracking functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The player interface assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides player tracking through the card reader, displays information via the LCD screen, accepts player input through the keypad, and communicates with the gaming device through the integrated communications board. This multi-functionality in a single assembly reduces overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components (communications board, card reader, display, keypad) are installed individually, then comprehensive player tracking capability is achieved, but the ease of manufacture and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple previously separate components (communications board, card reader, display, keypad) into a single player interface assembly that can be manufactured as one unit and installed in one step, significantly improving ease of manufacture and installation while maintaining comprehensive player tracking capability.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional vacuum fluorescent or small-character LCD displays are used, then basic information display is achieved, but player interaction and communication effectiveness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional vacuum fluorescent or small-character LCD displays to a larger, brighter LCD display with improved illumination characteristics. This parameter change in display size and brightness enhances both visibility and player interaction capability, allowing for more effective communication of game information and player tracking data.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for communicating with a player of a networked gaming device using a mountable interactive player interface incorporating a touch screen display to enable cashless gaming, player tracking, bonus, and secondary game features.