Patent Application
20100116629
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to push-buttons and more particularly to such a button which permits different types of inputs.
2. Related Art
Traditional push-buttons are single action input devices. A user pushes a button inwardly to activate a switch. Once released by the user, the button is configured to return to its original position. While push-buttons offer tactile feedback and ease of use, they have a number of drawbacks. Among the drawbacks are that repetitive pressing of a button can become uncomfortable and tiresome, and that such an input action is sometimes not suited to the particular desired input.
A dual action button assembly is disclosed. The dual action button assembly permits at least two different types of user inputs. In one embodiment, the dual action button assembly permits a user to provide a push-type input or a rotational or “spin” input in order to activate the button. This allows users to choose how to activate the button and allows gaming or other devices to accept multiple types of activation.
In one embodiment, the dual action button assembly comprises a push button comprising a housing, a plunger and a first electrical switch. The plunger is moveable relative to a housing to actuate a first electrical switch.
Preferably, the push button is rotatably mounted to a push button support. The push button support may comprise a mounting plate. The push button may be mounted to a rotatable mount, such as a bearing race having an inner ring rotatable relative to an out ring. The rotatable mount may be mounted to the push button mount.
A second electrical switch is preferably mounted to the push button mount. An actuator is associated with the push button housing. Rotation of the push button causes the actuator to actuate the second electrical switch.
In one embodiment, at least the plunger of the push button is located above a top of the push button mount, thereby providing convenient access to a user. The electrical switches may be mounted below the push button mount. For example, in a gaming machine environment, a top portion of the push button, including the plunger, may be located above a housing or panel of the gaming machine. The electrical switches and push button mount may be located under the panel or housing, such as within an interior of the gaming machine.
The dual action button assembly may include other features. For example, a grip may be mounted around the push button housing, such as below the plunger, to aid a user in gripping and rotating the push button. Various spacers may be utilized to orient the components of the button assembly.
In one embodiment, a biasing member such as a spring is utilized to bias the push button to a non-activated position. In this manner, when a user rotates the push button, the button returns automatically to its starting position. In a preferred embodiment, tactile feedback is provided to a user when the button is activated by its rotation.
The dual action button has particular utility to wagering type gaming machines. In this configuration, a user of the button may utilize the button to provide different inputs to the gaming machine. For example, a user might provide a “push” input to start the game, and provide a rotational input to make game play selections.
One aspect of the invention is a dual action attachment. The attachment includes a push button mount, switch and actuator. An existing single-action push-button may be retrofit to dual action by rotatably mounting it to the push button mount. The actuator is connected to the push button so that it actuates the switch.
Other apparatus, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.
One aspect of the invention is a user input device configured to accept multiple types of input. In one embodiment, the input device is a dual-action button which may be activated by a pressing or pushing input, or by a spinning or rotational input, or both. In one embodiment, input to the button activates one or more switches associated with the button. As will be described further below, the switches may be electrical contact switches which may be activated by completing or breaking an electrical connection therein.
Various advantages are realized by the dual action button. The button may be activated by either spinning or by pushing, allowing a user to choose how they wish to activate the button. For instance, a user may prefer spinning the button rather than pushing the button, or vice versa, because it is more comfortable for the user. The button may also be used to provide different inputs or control different functions, depending on how it is activated. For instance, spinning the button may control one function while pushing the button controls another function.
The dual action button is particularly suited for use with gaming or wagering devices. As will be described further below, the button may be installed as an assembly in a gaming machine. An existing single-action button may also be retrofit with an attachment or assembly to convert it to a dual action button. In either event, players may then have the option of either pushing or spinning the button to provide game input. This is advantageous in that players have the option of spinning buttons, which may be more convenient, ergonomic, or comfortable than pushing, or vice versa. The button is also advantageous in that spinning may correspond to one function of or input to a gaming machine, while pushing may correspond to another function. For example, a player may spin the button to effectuate spinning of the gaming machine's reels, while pushing the button may effectuate another function. This makes the gaming machine more intuitive for players as well. It is noted that the button is versatile in that a dual action button, such as one which spins and pushes, may also be used to perform the same function, such as for example spinning the machine's reels.
In one or more embodiments, the dual action button may be installed or used with various electronic devices including, but not limited to, gaming machines, kiosks, computers, hand held devices, or portable devices. In fact, the button may be used with any device which utilizes one or more buttons. In addition, as will be described below, a dual action button attachment may be provided to allow traditional push buttons to be retrofitted so they may be spin activated.
Various embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the figures.
In one embodiment, the push button assembly 104 comprises a push button 124 configured to actuate a switch, the push button rotatably mounted to a push button support 120, whereby rotation of the push button is configured to actuate a switch. As shown, the push button 124 has a housing 128 which generally provides a structure to support various components of a push button, including a plunger 108. As detailed below, the plunger 108 is movable relative to the housing 128. Preferably, the plunger 108 is “depressable”, in that it is movable in response to a pressing or pushing input by a user. When so actuated or activated, the plunger 108 activates a switch or other signal generating element, as also detailed below.
As described further below, the push button 124 is also configured for rotational actuation or activation. In one embodiment, the button 124 is mounted for rotation, wherein rotation of the button 124 activates a switch or other signal generating element. In one embodiment, the button 124 is mounted to a push button support 120.
Though the exterior of the push button 124, including the housing 128, is illustrated as round, it is contemplated that buttons of varying types, shapes, and sizes may be used with the invention. For example, square, rectangular, or other shaped buttons may be used. In addition, other types of controls may be used. For example, a switch or knob may be rotatably mounted to the push button support 120 according to the invention herein.
In one or more embodiments, the push button support 120 serves as a structure to which other components of the dual action button assembly 104 may be mounted or attached. For example, the push button support 120 may be a planar rigid structure having an opening to accept a component of the assembly 104. In addition, the push button support 120 may used to attach the assembly 104 to a gaming machine or other device. For example, the push button support 120 may include one or more holes 132 for accepting mechanical fasteners for attachment to a gaming machine or other device.
In one embodiment, the dual action button assembly 104 includes a grip in the form of a grip 112, the grip configured to be engaged by a user for spinning the push button 124. The grip 112 may be configured to surround the perimeter of at least a portion of the push button 140, and may thus be annular or “ring” shaped, as best illustrated in
In one embodiment, as shown in
It is noted that the grip 112 may not be required in all embodiments because the push button 124 may be directly engaged and spun by a user. In addition, it is contemplated that the push button 124 may include one or more ridges, such as on its housing 128, to aid a user in gripping or gasping the push button and spinning it.
A spacer 116 may be included in some embodiments to raise the grip 112 and push button 124 above the push button support 120 so that the push button and grip may be more easily spun or pushed. A spacer 116 is optional, however. The spacer 116 may be round, oval, rectangular, square, or other shapes, but preferably is similar in exterior shape to the adjacent push button 124. For example, in the embodiment of
As shown in
In one embodiment, the plunger 108 and grip 112 comprise the user-engageable portions of the dual action button assembly 104. In particular, as detailed below and illustrated in
In one embodiment, the push button support 120 defines an opening 244. Typically, the opening 244 will be a similar shape and size as the outside perimeter of the rotatable mount 216 to allow the rotatable mount to be inserted and mounted in the opening. The rotatable mount 216 is preferably annular, itself defining an opening for receiving the push button 124. In this manner, as will be described further below, the rotatable mount 216 allows the push button 124 to rotate or spin. As shown, the rotatable mount 216 may comprise a bearing race or ring having an exterior portion attached to the push button support 120 and an interior portion which is allowed to rotate or spin. This may also be seen in
The mount spacer 212 may be located on or attached to the inner ring 340 while the outer ring 344 is attached to the push button support 120. In this manner, the inner ring 340 and attached mount spacer 212 may freely rotate relative to the push button support 120. The spacer 116, grip 112, push button 124, or a combination thereof may be attached or locked to the mount spacer 212 and rotate along with the mount spacer 212. It is noted that, as described above, the spacer 116 and grip 112 are optional and may not be included in all embodiments.
The mount spacer 212 may include one or more notches 316 as well. Each notch 316 may be configured to accept a tab 315 of the push button 124 to lock the mount spacer 212 to the push button 124. In this manner the mount spacer 212 may rotate along with the push button 124 such as described above with regard to the grip and spacer. It is contemplated that a mount spacer 212 may not be required in all embodiments because components of the upper portion of the dual action button assembly 104 may be directly attached to the rotatable mount 216 or a portion thereof. The advantage of including the mount spacer 212, in one or more embodiments, is that the mount spacer 212 may be configured to provide a surface elevated above the push button support 120, rotatable mount 216, or both to more easily attach the upper portion of the dual action button assembly 104.
As indicated, the push button 124 may be actuated, thus causing the push button spacer 124 to move from a first non-activated position (in which it does not activate the switch 236) to a second, activated position (in which it does activate the switch 236). In one embodiment, the dual action button assembly 104 includes a means for returning the actuator 220 from its second position back to its first position. In one embodiment, that means comprises at least one biasing member, such as a spring 224. For example, the spring 224 may comprise a coil spring which is attached to the actuator 220 to provide resistance to the actuator's rotation and to return the actuator after it has been rotated. One end of the spring 224 may be attached to the actuator 220 and the other end thereof may be mounted to a spring mount 232 extending from the push button support 120. Of course, the spring 224 may be attached to any fixed point relative to the actuator 220 if desired. For example, the spring 224 may be attached to another portion of the push button support 120 or to a portion of a gaming machine or other device.
The mount spacer 212 may be located on or be attached to the top of the inner ring 340 of the rotatable mount 216, while the actuator 220 is located under or mounted to the bottom of the inner ring 340. It can thus be seen that any spinning or rotation of the inner ring 340 causes both the mount spacer 212 (and any components attached thereto) as well as the actuator 220, to rotate or spin. As described above, rotation of the inner ring 340 may be caused by a user during spin activation of the invention, or by the spring 224 returning the actuator 220 to its original position or resting position after it has been rotated.
The actuator 220 may include one or more notches 320 configured to accept a tab 304 of the push button 124 in some embodiments. In this manner, the actuator 220 may be locked to the push button 124, and vice versa, and thus the actuator and push button (as well as other spinable components) may rotate together.
In one embodiment, a user's activation of the plunger 108 is also configured to provide input. In one embodiment, this input is to another switch 340. The switch 340 may be mounted to the housing 128 of the push button 124. The switch 340 may include a contact 342 which is moved or contacted by the plunger 108 or an element moved by the plunger. The push button 124 may have various configurations for actuating such a switch, and the configuration of the switch and its mounting may vary. One example of a configuration of a push-button switch is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,590,176, which is incorporated herein by reference. In other configurations, it is possible for the plunger 108 to effect input to the same switch 236 which is actuated as a result of a user providing a spinning or rotating input.
In the case where there are two switches 236,340, push activation and spin activation complete or break separate electrical circuits to allow a gaming machine or other device to detect two different inputs. It is also contemplated that push activation may emit a first signal while spin activation emits a second signal to a gaming machine or other device. Alternatively, push activation and spin activation may complete or break a single electrical circuit, or emit the same signal, in some embodiments. In this case, the type of activation may not be determinable and push and spin activation may perform the same function on a gaming machine or other device.
In one embodiment, the housing 128 of the push button 124 is configured to mount various elements. As illustrated, the housing 128 has a top or proximal portion and a bottom or distal portion. The plunger 108 is preferably located at the top portion for access by a user. The distal portion preferably defines a mounting area. As indicated, the grip 112 and spacer 116 are preferably mounted to that portion of the housing 128, as are the spacer 212, bearing ring 216 and actuator 220. As indicated, these components may be mounted to the housing 128 via interlocking tabs and notches or other mounting configurations, preferably such that the push button 124, grip 112, spacer 116, mount spacer 212, and actuator 216 rotate together.
It is contemplated that, in the above embodiment, at least some of the components of the dual action button assembly may be assembled without fastening, adhering, or otherwise attaching them together. In one or more embodiments, the mount spacer 212, spacer 116, and grip 112 may be located on top of the rotatable mount 216, such as shown in
In other embodiments, the components may be attached rather than locked together. For example, the grip 112, spacer 116, mount spacer 212, rotatable mount 216, and actuator 220 may be attached together such as with adhesives, welds, one or more mechanical fasteners, or a combination thereof. In addition, one or more of the components may be integrally formed (i.e. formed in one piece). For example, the actuator 220 and mount spacer 212 may be integrally formed into the inner ring 340 of the rotatable mount 216. In addition, the spacer 116 and grip 112 may be integrally formed. As stated above, embodiments where the components are attached together may not utilize notches or tabs to allow the components to rotate together.
As one aspect of the invention, a kit may be utilized to retro-fit an existing single-action push button into a dual action button.
In contrast to the assembly 104 however, the attachment 204 may be provided to retrofit existing push buttons so that they may be spin activated. For example, an existing push button from a gaming machine may be removed and reinstalled within the attachment 204 to allow the push button to be spin activated. It is noted that a spacer 116, grip 112, or both may be provided in some embodiments. As one example, the push-button of U.S. Pat. No. 6,590,176 might be mounted to the assembly 104. For example, referring to the '176 Patent, the lock nut (30) may be removed and the push-button thereof inserted into the rotatable mount 216, thereby associating the push-button with the attachment 204, and permitting the single-action push-button of the '176 Patent to have the dual action feature of the present invention.
The attachment 204 may be configured to accept any manufacturer's push button. For example, commonly used push buttons on gaming machines may be installed within the attachment 204 to allow for spin activation of the buttons. As shown in
The mount spacer 212 of the dual action button attachment 204 may include one or more notches 240 to accept tabs of a push button. In this manner, a push button may be locked to the mount spacer 212 allowing the attached actuator 220 to rotate with the push button. It is contemplated that the notches 240 may be configured to conform to the tabs of various types, brands, or configurations of push buttons.
Though shown in a round configuration, it is contemplated that the attachment 204 may be configured to accept various shaped buttons including but not limited to square, rectangular, or other shaped buttons. In one or more embodiments, this may be accomplished by providing a spacer 212 capable of accepting the desired shaped button.
As indicated, the push buttons used with the attachment 204 or assembly 104 may include one or more of their own switches. In these embodiments, pushing the push button may actuate the push button's own switch. This is advantageous in that the attachment 204 may be configured to indicate whether the spin activation, push activation, or both are occurring and perform a different function in response to either or both. For example, spin activation may complete or break a different circuit, or emit a different signal to a gaming machine or other device than push activation. The attachment 204 may also be configured to only indicate that it is being activated regardless of whether the activation is occurring by spinning or pushing the push button. For example, spin or push activation may complete or break a single circuit or may emit the same signal.
Operation of the dual action button assembly will now be described with regard to
As stated, the actuator 220 (as well as other components) may be associated or locked to the push button 124 such that they spin together. Thus, the clockwise spin of the push button 124 causes a corresponding rotation of the locked components including the actuator 220. As shown in
When the actuator 220 is rotated, the spring 224 provides resistance which is transferred through the push button 124 to giving the user tactile feedback. As can be seen from
Feedback is also given to a user when spin activation has been accomplished. For example, the user may feel, through the push button 124, when the contact 332 of the switch 236 has actuated. In addition, actuation of the switch 236 may produce a sound such as a click to provide feedback to a user. Also, the push or spin activated button assembly 104 may be configured such that the push button 124 may not be allowed to spin any further once the switch 236 has been actuated. In this manner the user knows that spin activation has occurred because the push button 124 can be spun no further. Providing feedback, such as described herein, is advantageous in that it allows a user to feel, hear, or otherwise know that they have activated the dual action button assembly 104 successfully. Without feedback, the user may be confused as to whether or not the spin activation has occurred.
It is contemplated that in some embodiments the dual action button assembly 104 may be configured to allow the push button 124 and associated components to spin without restriction. For example, the actuator 220 may be configured to actuate a switch 236 when the actuator is rotated to or through a certain point. The assembly 104 may be configured to allow clockwise spinning, counterclockwise spinning, or both. In these embodiments, a spring 224 will generally not be necessary. Feedback may be provided by feeling the actuation of the switch 236 through the push button 124, by a sound such as a click, or both.
As can be seen from
In the embodiment illustrated, the spring 224 is connected to the actuator 220 at an arm or extension thereof whereby the spring 224 tends to bias the spacer 220 back to a nonactivated position no matter which direction it is rotated. In other embodiments, two or more springs might be used to bias the actuator 220 back to such a position.
Similar to above, the spring 224 is stretched by the rotation of the actuator 220 and provides resistance and feedback to the user through the push button 124. Upon release of the push button 124, the spring 224 may return the push button and other components to the resting position. Feedback may be provided to users as described above with regard to clockwise spin activation. In addition, the dual action button assembly 104 may be configured to allow the push button and associated components to spin freely, or to prevent spinning past a certain point. Typically, the assembly 104 will be configured to prevent spinning once the switch 236 as been actuated.
In one embodiment, the dual action button assembly 104 may be configured to detect the direction of spin. For example, the switch 236 may have multiple contacts 332, or there may be multiple switches 236, corresponding to each direction of spin. One or more contacts 332 or switches 236 may be actuated when the push button 124 is spun in one direction, while one or more other contacts or switches may be actuated when the push button is spun in another direction. In this manner the direction of spin may be determined based on which of the contacts 332 or switches 236 have been actuated.
The push button 124 may be push activated before, during, or after spin activation such as by a user pressing the push button's plunger. Thus, it is noted that a user may also be push activating the dual action button assembly 104 before, after, or while spinning the push button 124. It is contemplated that the invention 104 may indicate to a gaming machine or other device that push and spin activation is occurring at the same time in one or more embodiments. This allows the assembly 104 to collect various types and combinations of user input (i.e. spinning, pushing, or both).
It is specifically contemplated that the dual action button assembly or the dual action button attachment may be used with a gaming machine. Such a machine may include a housing or cabinet which supports and/or houses various components. These components may include one or more display devices such as electronic displays, spinning reels or the like configured to present game information. The gaming device may be configured to present games to a player for wager, and offer the opportunity for winnings. Such devices are well known and come in a variety of configurations and are configured to offer a variety of games. Existing machines may include one or more standard push-buttons for accepting game play input from a player.
The assembly or attachment may be secured or otherwise attached to a gaming machine by one or more fasteners or adhesives. For example, referring to
The dual action button assembly 104 may be installed next to traditional buttons 508 or may replace the traditional buttons (or retrofit them). In the embodiment of
As stated, spin activation may correspond to one or more functions of a gaming machine, while push activation may correspond to one or more other functions of a gaming machine. In other embodiments, both push and spin activation correspond to the same one or more functions of a gaming machine. In this case, the assembly or attachment provides the advantage of allowing users to select how they wish to interact with the gaming machine, based on personal preferences, comfort, or other factors. In such a configuration, actuation of either switch 236,340 might provide the same input to the gaming machine or other device. In other embodiments, push activation and spin activation might actuate the same switch. For example, it is possible for the dual action button assembly to include only a single switch, wherein both actuation of the plunger and rotational input actuate the same switch. In one embodiment, actuation of the plunger might even be configured to effect rotation of the switch in similar manner to direct rotation.
In other embodiments, however, the different activations or actuations preferably provide separate and different inputs to a gaming machine or other device. For example, in a slot machine embodiment, spin activation may also be associated with the selection of paylines such as by scrolling through each selectable payline or paylines by spinning the push button (via actuation of the first switch 236). Push activation may then be used to indicate that the user's desired payline or paylines have been selected (via actuation of the second switch 340). Spin activation may then also be used to spin the reels of a slot machine. It can thus be appreciated that spin activation may be associated with functions analogous to spinning such as spinning reels, scrolling, increasing or decreasing bets, or selecting paylines, items, options, and the like by advancing or moving through them one-by-one. This allows gaming machines to be more intuitive and easier to use, and the invention provides these benefits while being capable of push activation.
The push or spin activated button assembly and attachment as well as their benefits may be used with other devices as well. For example, the invention may be used with ATMS, kiosks, computers, and other electronic devices. In addition, the invention may be used with portable devices. As with above, spin activation may be associated with functions analogous to spinning, or may be used as an alternative to push activation (i.e. spin activation may perform the same function as push activation).
Specifically with regard to the push or spin activated button attachment, gaming machines and other devices may be easily retrofitted so that their existing push buttons may be spin activated as well as push activated. This provides users with the ability to select between spin or push activation, and allows gaming establishments, manufacturers, end-users or others to retrofit gaming machines or other devices to accept both spin and push activation.
While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, and embodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in any combination or arrangement.
