Gaming Machine User Input Deck with Through-Panel Emotive Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The competitive landscape of gaming machines requires differentiation beyond traditional features to attract players and stand out in the premium market.
Innovation Solution
A gaming machine with a user input deck featuring a transmissive panel illuminated by light sources and an etched graphic, where the emotive lighting structure extends below the deck's height, allowing game-related content to be visible through the panel, enhancing the gaming experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional gaming machine components are used, then manufacturing costs are controlled, but the machine cannot differentiate from competitors in the premium market
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension of visual engagement by extending the emotive lighting structure below the user input deck height, allowing content to be visible through the transmissive panel. This dimensional extension creates a unique premium aesthetic that differentiates the machine from competitors while maintaining manageable manufacturing complexity through modular component design.
2Illumination intensity
If the emotive lighting structure is extended below the user input deck, then visual engagement and content visibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmissive panel serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural component of the user input deck, a medium for light transmission, and a viewing window for the extended emotive lighting structure content. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving enhanced content visibility and visual engagement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If premium features are added to differentiate the gaming machine, then player attraction and market competitiveness improve, but the overall device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the emotive lighting structure with the user input deck assembly, integrating the extended lighting elements into the existing deck architecture. This consolidation allows the premium visual features to be implemented without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as the lighting structure shares space and mounting infrastructure with the input deck components.
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 a visually engaging and differentiated gaming experience, attracting players and distinguishing the machine from competitors.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of light sources is constructed and arranged to transmit light into the transmissive panel via an edge thereof
Implementation Method 2
The emotive lighting structure is configured to present content related to the wagering game. The emotive lighting structure extends below a height of the user input deck such that at least a portion of the content is visible through the transmissive panel
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine for operating a wagering game comprises a user input deck and an emotive lighting structure. The user input deck includes a transmissive panel, a plurality of light sources, and an etched graphic. The plurality of light sources is constructed and arranged to transmit light into the transmissive panel via an edge thereof. The etched graphic is etched into a surface of the transmissive panel and is illuminated by the transmitted light. The emotive lighting structure is configured to present content related to the wagering game. The user input deck is disposed between the emotive lighting structure and a player position in front of the gaming machine. The emotive lighting structure extends below a height of the user input deck such that at least a portion of the content is visible through the transmissive panel.