Tethered Gaming Handheld with Haptic Cable Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming machines lack innovative features to enhance player engagement and entertainment value, leading to a need for continuous development of new games and enhancements that attract frequent play.
Innovation Solution
A gaming system that includes a handheld device tethered to a fixed structure by a cable, utilizing haptic feedback through tension and motor-actuated cables to simulate interactions with a wagering game, allowing players to influence game graphics with movement and orientation, enhancing the gaming experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional gaming machines are used, then the basic wagering function is provided, but player engagement and entertainment value are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple interaction modalities (cable tension, handheld device movement, haptic feedback) into a single integrated gaming system. The cable mechanism merges physical pulling action with digital game control, while haptic feedback devices integrate tactile sensation into the interaction loop, creating a multi-sensory gaming experience that significantly enhances player engagement without requiring completely separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts haptic feedback based on game events and player actions. The haptic feedback devices modify tension and vibration patterns in real-time according to game state, creating a dynamic interaction that adapts to different gaming scenarios. This dynamic behavior enhances entertainment value while maintaining a relatively static physical infrastructure
2Adaptability or versatility
If haptic feedback is added to enhance player experience, then player engagement increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable acts as an intermediary element that transmits both mechanical force and haptic feedback between the fixed structure and handheld device. By using the existing cable infrastructure as a feedback transmission medium, the system avoids adding separate feedback channels, thus enhancing interactivity while limiting the increase in overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cable serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical tethering, transmits haptic feedback, and enables game control through pulling actions. The haptic feedback devices also serve dual purposes by both restraining the handheld device and providing tactile feedback. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, balancing enhanced interactivity with controlled complexity
3Ease of operation
If cable tension mechanism is used for haptic feedback, then tactile feedback is provided, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tension mechanism utilizes the natural elasticity and tension properties of the cable itself to generate haptic feedback. Rather than requiring complex active actuators at the handheld device, the system leverages the passive mechanical properties of the cable and the force applied by the player's own pulling action to create the haptic effect, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining tactile feedback quality
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 system increases player engagement by providing a more immersive and interactive experience, attracting frequent play and increasing profitability for operators through enhanced entertainment value.
Implementation Method 1
The haptic feedback can include a tension applied to the first cable that causes the first cable to be urged toward the fixed structure and away from an opposing pulling force applied to the handheld device
Implementation Method 2
a first sensor coupled to the first cable or to the handheld device and configured to sense at least one of a movement or an orientation of the handheld device
Implementation Method 3
The first motor can be configured to rotate against a direction in which the first cable is being pulled to resist a pulling force applied on the first cable by the handheld device
Data Source
AI summary
A wand-shaped handheld device tethered to a fixed structure in a gaming system by one or more cables wound around reels. The handheld device includes a button on a top thereof as a secondary input means. Motors coupled to the reels wind the cables or apply an opposing force to a pulling force applied to the device. Sensors detect how far the cables are retracted or pulled relative to the fixed structure. Haptic feedback devices impart tactile vibrations that are transmitted along the cable(s) and to the handheld device as the motor is pulling the handheld device toward the fixed structure or a player grasping the device is pulling it away from the fixed structure. Wagering game graphics are coordinated with the movement of the device so that movements or selection of the graphics are affected by inputs made by moving the handheld device or pressing its button.