Electrochromic Display Panels for 3D Depth in Gaming Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic gaming machines lack effective methods to create immersive three-dimensional displays that can provide binocular depth cues, limiting their ability to generate convincing 3D images for multiple viewers at different locations and depths.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a display system using a rear and front electrochromic display panel arrangement, where the front panel alternates between transparent and opaque states to project images onto the rear panel, creating a parallax effect that simulates depth by varying the distance between the panels, thereby generating a three-dimensional appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single flat display panel is used, then the device complexity is low, but the three-dimensional depth effect is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single two-dimensional display plane to a multi-layer three-dimensional display structure. Multiple display panels are stacked at different depths along the viewing direction, with each panel displaying images at different focal distances. This dimensional transition creates genuine 3D depth effects and binocular depth cues without requiring overly complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system is segmented into multiple independent display panels positioned at different depths. Each panel can be independently controlled to display specific images, allowing the system to create layered depth effects by combining multiple 2D images at different focal planes, thereby achieving 3D visualization.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple display panels are stacked to create 3D depth, then the three-dimensional effect is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple display panels are merged into a single integrated display assembly that functions as one cohesive 3D display unit. The panels are optically aligned and controlled by a unified system, combining their individual 2D display capabilities into a collective 3D imaging system that provides depth perception while maintaining structural integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the depth dimension (z-axis) to the traditional 2D display plane by stacking panels at different distances from the viewer. This dimensional expansion creates binocular depth cues and motion parallax effects without requiring complex mechanical moving parts, as the depth structure is fixed during operation.
3Illumination intensity
If the front display panel is made opaque to display images, then the image visibility is improved, but the transparency effect is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The front display panel incorporates electrochromic technology that allows it to dynamically change its optical properties between transparent and opaque states based on operational requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables the display to switch between different functional modes, providing both transparency effects and opaque image display as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical parameters of the front display panel are changed by applying electrical signals to the electrochromic material. By controlling the voltage applied to the electrochromic layer, the panel's transparency can be adjusted continuously or switched between discrete states, allowing versatile adaptation to different display requirements.
4Illumination intensity
If the display panels are spaced far apart to enhance depth effect, then the three-dimensional appearance is improved, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the z-depth dimension efficiently by stacking display panels vertically within a compact housing. Rather than spreading panels horizontally or requiring large separation distances, the depth-oriented stacking allows multiple panels to be positioned at different focal distances while maintaining a compact overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple display panels are nested within each other in a stacked configuration, with each panel positioned within the projection volume of the housing. This nested arrangement allows the panels to be closely spaced while maintaining the necessary optical separation for depth effects, effectively nesting the display structure within a compact form factor.
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
This solution enables the creation of quasi-3D images that can be viewed by multiple people at different locations, enhancing the perceived depth and realism of the displayed content while maintaining a compact and efficient display setup.
Implementation Method 1
The front display panel includes an electrochromic display panel that is spaced apart from the rear display panel in a viewing direction
Implementation Method 2
The display device alternates between a first state for displaying a first image on the rear display panel and a second state for displaying a second image on the front display panel... creating a parallax effect that simulates depth
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine includes a processor, a video controller coupled to the processor, a display device coupled to the video controller, and an input device coupled to the processor and receiving an input from a player. The display device includes a rear display panel and a front display panel arranged between the player and the rear display panel, the front display panel including an electrochromic display panel that is spaced apart from the rear display panel in a viewing direction of the player. The video controller causes the display device to alternate between a first state for displaying a first image on the rear display panel and a second state for displaying a second image on the front display panel. In the first state, the video controller displays the first image on the rear display panel and causes the front display panel to be transparent, and in the second state, the video controller displays the second image on the rear display panel and causes the front display panel to be opaque.