Fluid Ripple Display for Game Machine Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing game machines lack a dramatic effect to capture players' attention effectively, as they primarily rely on static liquid-crystal displays without engaging visual or sensory stimulation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a touch panel with a fluid holder and a ripple producer, along with a light-emitting element board, to create dynamic visual effects such as ripples and illuminated peripheries during player interactions, enhancing engagement through simultaneous image display and fluid ripple presentation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a static liquid-crystal display is used for game operations, then the display function is simple and reliable, but the game lacks appeal and fails to capture player attention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay simplicityVSAvoidgame appeal
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static liquid-crystal display into a dynamic visual system. A transparent fluid is introduced between the display panel and touch panel, and a ripple producer generates wave patterns in the fluid. This creates dynamic visual effects that change with player interactions, maintaining engagement while preserving the underlying display functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the transparent fluid as an intermediary element between the display panel and touch panel. This fluid layer acts as a mediator that transmits light from the display while simultaneously allowing ripple effects to be visible. The fluid serves dual purposes: maintaining display visibility and creating engaging visual dynamics through wave patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a transparent fluid with ripple producer is added to the display, then player attention is captured through dynamic effects, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual engagementVSAvoiddisplay structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by designing components that serve multiple purposes. The fluid holder structure simultaneously supports the transparent fluid, allows ripple generation, and maintains display visibility. The ripple producer not only creates wave patterns but also serves as an interactive element that responds to player touch inputs, combining visual effect generation with input detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nesting by placing the ripple producer within the fluid holder, which is itself positioned between the display panel and touch panel. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional layers to coexist in a compact configuration: the display panel provides visual output, the fluid holder contains and manages the transparent fluid, and the ripple producer generates effects within the fluid, all while maintaining a integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If light-emitting elements are added between the fluid holder and display unit, then the periphery illumination enhances player engagement, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteractive feedbackVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light-emitting elements with the existing display structure by positioning them between the fluid holder and display unit. This integration allows the illumination function to be combined with the display and fluid management systems, creating a unified assembly where light emission, fluid containment, and visual display work together without requiring completely separate mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively captures players' attention by combining dynamic fluid ripples and illuminated peripheries with image displays, creating a more immersive and engaging gaming experience.

Implementation Method 1

a ripple producer configured to produce ripples in the fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRipple production: Surface Tension

Implementation Method 2

a light-emitting element board arranged between the fluid holder and the display unit, a plurality of light-emitting elements being mounted on the light-emitting element board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS10262581B2Operating apparatus, game machine, and control method
Publication Date: 2019.04.16 OMRON CORP
  • US10262581B2 patent drawing
  • US10262581B2 patent drawing
  • US10262581B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An operating apparatus includes a touch panel, a fluid holder, a display panel, and a fan. The fluid holder is arranged below the touch panel. The fluid holder holds a transparent fluid. The display panel is arranged below the fluid holder. The fan is configured to produce ripples in the fluid.