Shared Gaming Interface Button Deck Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic gaming machine interfaces lack a shared functionality, failing to provide a multiplayer experience and community play, and are limited by the absence of a video display device and mechanical fasteners for coupling multiple machines.
Innovation Solution
A shared electronic gaming machine interface featuring an oversized button deck assembly with a touch-sensitive video display and mechanical fasteners for coupling to multiple machines, enabling communication and shared gameplay between multiple electronic gaming machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional button deck designs are used, then the device structure is simple, but the interface cannot be shared between multiple machines and lacks video display capability
Solution Approach 1:
The button deck assembly is designed to be universally compatible with multiple electronic gaming machines through standardized mechanical fasteners (screws, bolts, or other removable fasteners) that can couple the same assembly to different machine cabinets. This allows a single button deck design to serve multiple machines, enabling shared interface capability while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional button deck designs are used, then the device complexity is low, but the interface lacks video display device integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the video display device with the button deck assembly into an integrated unit. The display device is mounted within the same assembly that contains the buttons, allowing both elements to function together as a unified interface. This merging approach enables video display integration while managing overall interface structure complexity through consolidation rather than separate components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional button deck designs are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the interface cannot support multiplayer gaming
Solution Approach 1:
The button deck assembly is designed as a universal interface that can be shared by multiple electronic gaming machines simultaneously. The mechanical coupling system allows the same assembly to connect to different machines, enabling multiplayer gaming functionality where multiple players can interact with the same physical interface. This universality approach supports multiplayer capability while keeping the interface functionality design relatively straightforward.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a shared interface assembly is implemented across multiple machines, then multiplayer gaming is enabled, but the coupling mechanism requires mechanical fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into separate components: the button deck assembly with integrated fasteners and the corresponding mounting points on the machine cabinets. This segmentation allows for modular installation where the fasteners can be independently attached and removed, facilitating easier assembly and disassembly compared to permanent bonding methods, while still achieving secure multi-machine coupling.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic gaming machine interface is described. The interface may be coupled to and shared between a plurality of electronic gaming machines. Accordingly, the interface may include a button deck assembly, which may, in turn, include a touch-sensitive video display, and a flange surrounding at least a portion of the button deck assembly. In some embodiments, the flange may include a first mechanical fastener configured to couple the button deck to a cabinet of a first electronic gaming machine, and a second mechanical fastener configured to couple the button deck to a cabinet of a second electronic gaming machine. The button deck may, in addition, be communicatively coupled to one or both of the first and second electronic gaming machines. As a result, in at least some embodiments, the button deck is supported by and communicatively coupled to the first electronic gaming machine and the second electronic gaming machine.