Backlight Unit with Movable Light Guide for Reel Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backlight units for gaming machines with liquid crystal display panels face issues such as reduced light efficiency due to scratch or dot patterns on light guide plates and complex structures with separate light sources, which hinder clear visibility of symbols on reels.
Innovation Solution
A backlight unit with two movable light guiding panels, where one panel is selectively overlapped with a predetermined area to allow symbols behind to be seen, using a sliding mechanism and light scattering patterns to improve light distribution and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scratch or dot pattern is not formed on the light guide plate area corresponding to reel display area, then symbols of the reel can be seen clearly, but light efficiency of the backlight unit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide plate is divided into two functional areas: a first area with light scattering patterns for uniform light distribution, and a second area without patterns for clear reel symbol visibility. This segmentation allows each area to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the light guide plate are given different optical properties. The first area has light scattering patterns for diffusing light, while the second area remains transparent for direct viewing of reel symbols. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between uniform light distribution and clear symbol visibility.
2Measurement precision
If area of diffuse sheet, light guide plate, and reflector is removed corresponding to symbol display area, then symbols of the reel can be seen, but images cannot be displayed on the openings when game using the reel is not performed
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal display panel dynamically changes its optical state between transparent and opaque based on operational mode. When reel game is active, the panel becomes transparent for symbol visibility; when game is inactive, it becomes opaque for image display. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between symbol visibility and display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide plate serves multiple functions: it provides uniform light distribution in the first area, enables reel symbol visibility in the second area, and works cooperatively with the liquid crystal display panel to support both image display and reel viewing modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for different operational states.
3Illumination intensity
If members such as light waveguide are disposed in front of reel, then structure can guide light, but the reel cannot be clearly seen and structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The light scattering patterns are extracted and applied only to the first area of the light guide plate, while the second area remains free of such patterns. This selective extraction ensures light guidance where needed while maintaining clarity where reel symbols must be viewed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing light guiding members in front of the reel (which would block visibility), the light scattering patterns are integrated into the light guide plate structure itself, using the plate's thickness and internal structure to achieve light distribution without interfering with the line-of-sight to the reel symbols.
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
Enables clear visibility of symbols on reels while maintaining efficient light penetration and simplifying the structure by avoiding the need for separate light sources, enhancing the overall display performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first light scattering pattern may be formed on a rear surface of the first light guiding panel
Data Source
AI summary
A backlight unit for a liquid crystal display device includes: a light source; a first light guiding panel which guides light emitted from the light source; a second light guiding panel which is disposed behind the first light guiding panel and is provided to be movable so as to be selectively disposed at a position of being overlapped with a predetermined area of the first light guiding panel in a back and forth direction and at a position of not being overlapped with the predetermined area in a back and forth direction; and a driving part which provides a driving force for moving the second light guiding panel.