Configurable Touch Screen Control Panel for Gaming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming apparatuses require a large number of mechanical switches to accommodate various user inputs for different game stages, leading to complexity and inefficiency in user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A gaming apparatus with a configurable control panel featuring a touch screen unit associated with a second display unit, allowing for intuitive player input via a touch screen interface, enabling selection from multiple game types such as poker, blackjack, slots, keno, or bingo, and determining payouts based on game outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mechanical switches are provided to accommodate various user inputs for different game stages, then the gaming apparatus can support multiple game types and functions, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing a single touch screen control panel that can display and respond to different game-specific controls for multiple game types (poker, blackjack, slots, keno, bingo). The touch screen dynamically reconfigures its interface based on the active game, allowing one physical device to perform multiple control functions that previously required separate mechanical switches for each game type and stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch system with an electronic touch screen interface. Instead of physical mechanical switches that required separate hardware components for each function, the invention uses a digital display with touch sensing technology that can programmatically present different control schemes for different games, eliminating the need for extensive mechanical control panel infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of mechanical switches are used to provide various user inputs, then all game functions can be accessed, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the complexity of the control interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a configurable control panel where the touch screen interface dynamically adapts its display and control options based on the current game type and stage. The control panel transitions from a static arrangement of mechanical switches to a dynamic digital interface that presents only the relevant controls for the current game context, making operation simpler while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different regions or areas of the touch screen to display game-specific controls and information tailored to the current game being played. Each game type (poker, blackjack, slots, etc.) receives a customized control layout optimized for that specific game's requirements, rather than using a uniform mechanical switch arrangement for all games.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mechanical switches are provided for different game stages, then all game functions are available, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the complexity of assembling and aligning numerous switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical switch assembly process with a single integrated touch screen unit. Instead of requiring precise mechanical alignment and assembly of numerous individual switches, the invention uses a monolithic electronic display component that is significantly easier to manufacture and install, while providing equivalent or superior control functionality for all game stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate mechanical switch components into a single integrated touch screen control panel. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete parts that require assembly and alignment, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the ability to support multiple game types and stages through software configuration rather than physical reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming method for facilitating game play via a gaming apparatus is provided. The gaming apparatus may include a value input device, a first display unit, and a configurable control panel unit. The configurable control panel unit may include a second display unit and a touch screen unit associated with the second display unit. A value input may be received from a player via the value input device, and the first display unit may be caused to display a first game display relating to one of the following games: poker, blackjack, slots, keno or bingo. One of a plurality of player input displays may be selected, and the second display unit may be caused to display the selected one of the plurality of player input displays. Player input data associated with the selected one of the plurality of player input displays may be received via the touch screen unit, and a value payout associated with an outcome of the game may be determined.