Sloped Surface Pushbutton for Slot Machine Depth Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In slot machines, the existing touch panel systems for setting betting numbers lack an intuitive operating sensation, leading to reduced speed and quickness, and create a sense of depth due to image reflections from side surfaces, which detracts from the player's experience.
Innovation Solution
A game machine pushbutton with a light-transmissive operating key and a light-emitting unit that emits light toward a sloped surface, reducing the sense of depth by reflecting light outward and enhancing the aesthetic effect through edge illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a touch panel is used for setting betting numbers, then various displays can be made, but the operating sensation is poorer and requires checking the screen each time, reducing speed and quickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display unit with the pushbutton by placing the display behind the translucent operating key. This integration allows the pushbutton to show betting number information directly at the operation location, eliminating the need to check a separate screen and maintaining both display capability and game speed.
Solution Approach 2:
A translucent operating key serves as an intermediary between the display unit and the player. It transmits light from the display while providing a physical pushing surface, enabling both visual information display and tactile operation sensation simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If side surface walls of the operating button are made to broaden outward, then reflections are reduced, but the aesthetic effect is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sloped surface is applied only to the side surface walls of the operating key, while the top surface remains flat. This localized application reduces reflections from the sides without affecting the overall aesthetic appearance of the button from the front view.
Solution Approach 2:
The side surface walls are designed with asymmetric sloping angles relative to the vertical direction. This asymmetric design redirects reflected light away from the player's viewing angle while maintaining a visually appealing button shape.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides an intuitive operating sensation similar to traditional pushbuttons, reduces the sense of depth, and enhances the aesthetic appeal by ensuring the image is displayed sharply without a sense of distance, thereby improving the gaming experience.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting unit configured to emit light toward the first member
Implementation Method 2
The light emitted from the light-emitting unit toward the first member is reflected by the sloped surface and emitted toward the exterior from a top surface opposing the bottom surface
Data Source
AI summary
A pushbutton includes a key top, including a light-transmissive display part, the key top configured to be depressed; and LEDs configured to emit light toward the display part. The display part includes a bottom surface and a sloped surface, the sloped surface being continuous with an outer edge of the bottom surface and broadening outward as the sloped surface progresses upward from the bottom surface. The light emitted from the LEDs toward the display part is reflected by the sloped surface and emitted toward the exterior from a top surface.