External Reflector Light Effect Device for Gaming Cabinets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current gaming and entertainment devices struggle to attract players effectively due to limited visibility and range of light effects, which are only noticeable when a player is standing in front of the device, and require significant space for light sources on the front surface.

Innovation Solution

The integration of external reflectors on the housing to capture and redirect ambient light, allowing for the creation of wide-ranging light effects without the need for numerous light sources on the front surface, enabling flexible placement of light sources around the device, including on neighboring units, to enhance visibility from various angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If light sources are placed on the front surface of the housing, then light effects are visible to players, but the available space is limited and the range of visibility is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight effect visibilityVSAvoidfront surface area
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves light sources from the front surface (2D plane) to the surrounding space (3D environment), placing them on the housing sides, top, or even on neighboring devices. This dimensional shift allows light effects to be generated without consuming front surface area while expanding visibility range to distant players.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces reflectors as intermediary elements that redirect light from externally placed sources toward the front of the device. This mediator allows light to be projected forward without requiring light sources to be physically positioned on the front surface, resolving the space constraint while maintaining illumination effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If more light sources are placed on the front surface, then light effects become more attractive, but the device becomes more complex and space is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight effect attractivenessVSAvoidlight source arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple light sources positioned around the housing into a unified light effect system. By using reflectors to redirect light from various external positions toward the front, multiple sources work together as a coordinated system, reducing the need for numerous front-mounted sources and simplifying the overall arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure itself serves as a mounting platform for light sources and reflectors, utilizing the device's own geometry (sides, top, edges) to support the lighting system. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional dedicated mounting structures and reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Illumination intensity

If light sources are positioned to illuminate the front, then players can see light effects, but players must stand close to the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight signal luminosityVSAvoidvisibility range
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Reflectors serve as intermediaries that capture light from externally positioned sources and redirect it toward the front of the device. This allows light to be projected forward with sufficient intensity and concentration to be visible at a distance, extending the effective viewing range beyond what direct front-mounted sources could achieve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning of light sources around the housing rather than symmetric front-mounted arrangements. By placing sources at various positions (sides, top, rear) and using reflectors to direct light forward, the system achieves extended visibility range while maintaining attractive light effects, breaking the limitation of close-proximity viewing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 significantly increases the attractiveness of gaming devices by providing high-intensity, targeted light effects that can be perceived from a distance, utilizing available space efficiently and reducing glare, while allowing for self-sufficient light production without precise alignment of additional devices.

Implementation Method 1

at least one reflector (4) arranged on an outside of the housing (2) for radiating a light beam bundle that can be illuminated by a light source (6) arranged outside of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2499620B1Electronic game and/or entertainment device with a light effect device
Publication Date: 2016.07.27 NOVOMATIC AG
  • EP2499620B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2499620B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2499620B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

The invention relates to a game and/or entertainment device, in particular in the form of a game of chance and/or gambling device that is coin-operated and/or currency-operated. Said device comprises a housing on which a light effect device for creating light effects is provided. According to the invention, the light effect device of the game and/or entertainment device comprises at least one reflector for emitting a light beam, wherein the reflector lies on an outer face of the housing and can be illuminated by a light source lying outside of the housing. Such a creation of an external light effect by generating external light and deflecting the externally generated light with a reflector on the outer face of the housing is advantageous, in particular with modern game devices that have very large screens and only narrow housing strips on the front part. A high degree of freedom with respect to the arrangement of the light source is achieved by using the reflector.