Translucent Push Button with Floating Image Projector for Gesture Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional slot machines lack innovative and engaging operation methods that combine traditional button pressing with advanced gesture inputs, limiting player interaction and appeal.

Innovation Solution

An operation device for slot machines that incorporates a translucent push button switch with a floating image projector and a gesture detector, allowing players to input instructions through both button pressing and mid-air gestures, enhancing the gaming experience with a combination of projected images and gesture detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional push button switch is used for operation input, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the operation method is outdated and lacks player engagement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation methodVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a conventional push button switch with a floating image projector and gesture detector to create a hybrid operation system. The push button maintains its traditional function while the floating image and gesture detection capabilities are integrated into the same device, allowing both conventional and innovative operation methods to coexist in one unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operation device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect traditional button pressing operations, project floating images for visual feedback, and recognize hand gestures in the air. This multi-functional design allows the single device to replace multiple separate components while maintaining backward compatibility with existing operation methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a floating image projector is added to enhance visual appeal, then player interest is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual performanceVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The floating image projector is nested within the push button switch assembly, with the projector positioned behind the translucent button. This nested configuration allows the projector to be housed within the existing button structure, minimizing additional space requirements and reducing overall device complexity while still achieving the visual enhancement effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a gesture detector is integrated to enable new operation methods, then player engagement is enhanced, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation input capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gesture detector is integrated into the same operation device that contains the push button switch and floating image projector. This multi-functional integration allows the device to handle multiple input methods (button pressing, gesture recognition) and output modes (visual feedback, operational control) through a single unified system, reducing the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operation methods are combined in one device, then operation versatility is improved, but the ease of operation may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation input capabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operation device dynamically adapts its behavior based on the type of input received. When a button press is detected, it responds with traditional feedback; when a gesture is detected, it activates the floating image and gesture recognition modes. This dynamic response system allows the device to maintain simplicity for traditional users while providing enhanced functionality for those who prefer gesture-based operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution provides a new and engaging way for players to interact with slot machines by fusing conventional button operations with gesture inputs, enhancing the overall gaming experience and appeal through the use of projected images and gesture detection, thereby improving player engagement and machine performance.

Implementation Method 1

a push button switch including a push button made of a translucent material, a floating image projector configured to project a floating image into midair above the push button through the push button from a rear face side of the push button

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission through translucent material: Light

Implementation Method 2

a gesture detector in which at least a region where the floating image is projected is set to a detection region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGesture detection:

Data Source

PatentUS9875599B2Operation device and play machine

Publication Date: 2018.01.23 OMRON CORP

AI summary

An operation device installed on a play machine has a push button switch having a push button made of a translucent material, a floating image projector that projects a floating image into midair above the push button through the push button from a rear face side of the push button, and a gesture detector in which at least a region where the floating image is projected is set to be a detection region.