Gaming Machine Display Device Translucency Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pachi-slot machines lack an engaging 'lizhi effect' when a symbol is missing from a prescribed combination, leading to boredom and reduced player excitement.

Innovation Solution

A gaming machine with a first display device showing symbols and a second display device that can switch between transmissive and non-transmissive conditions, controlled to display the last stop symbol's image when one symbol is missing from a combination, enhancing the lizhi effect by varying visibility and display patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the second display device is kept in transmissive condition to show symbols, then player can see all symbols clearly, but the lizhi effect loses impact when one symbol is missing from the prescribed combination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveboredom during lizhi effectVSAvoiddisplay control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies transparency changes (similar to color changes) by switching the second display device between transmissive and non-transmissive conditions. When a lizhi occurs (one symbol missing from prescribed combination), the display device switches to non-transmissive condition to hide other symbols, leaving only the last stop symbol visible, thereby creating impactful lizhi effect and avoiding player boredom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the display device dynamic by allowing it to switch between different operational states (transmissive and non-transmissive conditions) based on the game state. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt the visual presentation according to whether a lizhi has occurred, thereby maintaining player engagement without requiring complex manual control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the second display device switches to non-transmissive condition to hide symbols during lizhi effect, then player anticipation and joy are increased, but the display control becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereduced player excitement during lizhiVSAvoiddisplay control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the symbol combination result and automatically adjusting the second display device's transparency accordingly. When a lizhi is detected (one symbol missing from prescribed combination), the system automatically switches to non-transmissive condition. This automated feedback mechanism enhances player excitement while avoiding the need for complex manual control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The display control system serves itself by automatically detecting lizhi conditions and adjusting display settings without requiring external intervention. The controller monitors the symbol combination and autonomously switches the second display device between transmissive and non-transmissive states, simplifying the overall control architecture while achieving the desired emotional impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the last stop symbol is displayed continuously on the second display device, then player can see the symbol clearly, but the waiting time for other symbols to stop increases boredom

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveboredom during waiting periodVSAvoidwaiting time for symbol stop
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by displaying the last stop symbol on the second display device before all symbols have stopped. This allows the player to see the eventual winning symbol in advance, reducing the perceived waiting time and eliminating boredom during the rotation phase. The symbol is prepared and displayed early, transforming the waiting period into an engaging moment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the display content based on the rotation state. During the rotation phase, the last stop symbol is displayed on the second display device to engage player attention. When rotation completes, the display transitions to show the full symbol combination. This dynamic adaptation eliminates boredom by providing continuous visual interest throughout the game cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 creates a more impactful and engaging lizhi effect by varying the visibility and display duration of the last stop symbol's image, increasing player anticipation and joy during near-win combinations.

Implementation Method 1

a transparent liquid crystal panel being installed in front of the reels, an image is displayed in front of the reels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid crystal display transparency switching: Liquid Crystals

Data Source

PatentUS8133108B2Gaming machine and game control method
Publication Date: 2012.03.13 UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORP
  • US8133108B2 patent drawing
  • US8133108B2 patent drawing
  • US8133108B2 patent drawing

AI summary

To provide a gaming machine which can carry out a lizhi effect rich in impact without giving a feeling of boredom.A gaming machine being provided with a display device, which can display an image and can be switched to a transmissive condition or a non-transmissive condition, in front of a plurality of symbols which can be variably displayed, in the event that a combination of the plurality of symbols reaches a lizhi, as well as portions in front of the plurality of symbols taking on the non-transmissive condition, a symbol image corresponding to a last stop displayed symbol is variably displayed on the display device.