Edge-Lit Reels with Light Shield for Gaming Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming machines lack innovative visual enhancements to increase entertainment value and attract players, as existing lighting effects do not effectively isolate and enhance the visual appeal of rotating reels.
Innovation Solution
A reel mechanism with a rotatable cylindrical basket, light-diffusing rims, and a stationary light shield, along with a light board system that includes rim and symbol light sources, to create isolated and enhanced lighting effects for the reels, improving aesthetics and player interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If lighting effects are applied to gaming machine reels, then visual appeal and entertainment value are improved, but light interference between different regions (rim and symbol areas) occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into distinct zones with separate light sources: rim lights for the outer rim and symbol lights for the symbol-bearing region. This segmentation allows independent control of lighting in different areas, enabling enhanced visual appeal while preventing light interference between regions.
Solution Approach 2:
A light shield is introduced as an intermediary element positioned between the rim lights and symbol lights. This shield blocks stray light from reaching unintended regions, effectively preventing light interference while allowing both lighting systems to operate simultaneously for enhanced visual appeal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to enhance visual effects, then entertainment value increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light shield serves multiple functions: it blocks stray light from rim lights from reaching the symbol region, provides structural support for mounting lights, and defines the optical boundaries of different lighting zones. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing device complexity while enabling versatile lighting effects.
3Manufacturing precision
If light isolation is implemented between rim and symbol areas, then visual clarity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light shield is integrated with the reel basket structure, combining the isolation function with the existing mechanical framework. This integration reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies assembly, achieving effective light isolation between rim and symbol areas without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
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 enhances the visual appeal and entertainment value of gaming machines by providing customizable and attractive lighting effects that isolate the rim and symbol areas, increasing player engagement and machine profitability.
Implementation Method 1
a first light-diffusing rim and a second light-diffusing rim opposite the first light-diffusing rim
Implementation Method 2
a stationary light shield positioned between the set of first rim lights and the set of symbol lights, and arranged to isolate the first rim lights and the first rim from the symbol lights and the symbol-bearing region of the reel strip
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming system includes at least one reel mechanism for a gaming machine. Each reel mechanism comprises a rotatable cylindrical reel basket, a light shield, and one or more light boards having first and second stationary light sources affixed thereon. The reel basket has first and second opposing light-diffusing rims and a symbol-bearing reel strip extending between the rims. The first and second stationary light sources are positioned to illuminate the first (and second) rim with first light and the reel strip with second light, respectively. The first and second light sources are positioned on opposite sides of a light shield. The light shield is positioned along and inside the first rim and inhibits the first light from illuminating a symbol-bearing region of the reel strip. A light guide is positioned between the first light sources and the first rim to maximize the flow of first light to the first rim.