Touch screen gaming machines add feedback

Casino slot machine specialist Unicum is developing touch screen gaming machines that take advantage of TouchSense tactile feedback from Immersion.

3M United Kingdom is working with casino slot machine specialist Unicum to develop touch screen gaming machines that have been built and programmed to take advantage of TouchSense tactile feedback from Immersion.

Unicum is an early adopter of TouchSense technology and has been showcasing its first concept machines using this technology this week at G2E 2006 (Stand 2931).

3M Touch Systems is the exclusive touch screen manufacturer providing TouchSense-enabled solutions for the casino gaming market.

"We have been aware of TouchSense technology for over a year and in November 2005 entered discussions with 3M to see how we might work together, in conjunction with their new relationship with Immersion Corporation", commented Peter Moffitt, Vice President of Gaming at Unicum.

"The technology has enormous potential for adding an entirely new dimension for the player".

"It is an evolutionary technology approach, offering something the user has lacked in the past - a physical response to the interaction".

"The gaming machine market is ready for this new enhancement to the user-interface and tactile feedback will deliver the new experiences we have all been waiting for".

The process of applying TouchSense technology in slot machines was conducted in a careful and deliberate manner.

Using the innovative Sensation cabinet design, Unicum selected its top-end platform, Sapphire, as the first game to be revealed at G2E.

The game was reviewed down to the minutest of details to explore where tactile feedback added value to the user experience.

The result is a perfect combination of visual, tactile and auditory cues to keep the player engrossed in the gaming experience.

The built-in flexibility of the tactile feedback software allows gaming machine developers to tailor the responses to their own desired interpretation.

The mechanical integration of the new screen concept into the demonstration units went smoothly with the help of 3M engineering.

All required software changes were implemented quickly as a result of the high quality design and flexibility of the game and platform engine, created over the past few years by Unicum game developers in Saint Petersburg.

The new concepts were implemented in record time, ready to show as a concept at G2E 2006.

"Unicum has used MicroTouch ClearTek Capacitive Touch Screens from 3M for many years and has been very positive in its response to the new TouchSense technology", said Jon Temple, European Gaming Sales Manager, 3M Touch Systems Division.

"We are excited to see our customers beginning to develop game software and machines that will take advantage of this innovative technology".

"Building on our knowledge of touch applications in the gaming industry, companies like Unicum are able to use their market expertise coupled with our capacitive touch sensor systems to create unique offerings for their customers".

The MicroTouch Capacitive TouchSense System will be commercially available in Q2 2007.

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