Gaming Machine EL Wire Lighting for Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming machines lack an efficient and effective lighting system to attract player attention and enhance the entertainment experience.
Innovation Solution
The integration of electroluminescent (EL) light emitting devices around the periphery of the gaming machine's glass panel and within the cabinet, including EL wires and sheets, to provide a fluid-resistant and visually appealing illumination, which can alternate with reel symbols and pay lines upon winning outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting devices (ultraviolet lights, liquid crystal backlights, illuminating lamps) are used inside the housing, then the gaming machine can provide illumination for display and reel visibility, but the lighting is not visible from distance to attract player attention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions lighting from internal three-dimensional illumination to external two-dimensional surface mounting. EL wires are mounted on the exterior surfaces of the housing and cabinet, allowing light to be viewed from distance and angle, fundamentally changing the spatial dimension of illumination delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is divided into multiple independent EL wire segments mounted at different locations (front of housing, sides of cabinet, top of housing). Each segment can be independently controlled to create dynamic lighting patterns that attract attention from various viewing angles.
2Illumination intensity
If EL light emitting devices are mounted on the exterior periphery of the housing and cabinet, then the lighting becomes visible from distance to attract player attention, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The EL wires serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide attention-attracting illumination, create fluid-resistant barriers at joint locations, and act as structural mounting elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the lighting function with the sealing and structural functions by integrating EL wires into the mounting structure at joint locations. The EL wires are mounted directly at intersections of housing and cabinet panels, merging multiple system requirements into a single integrated solution.
3Illumination intensity
If EL wires are used to define pay lines and reel symbols, then the visual appeal and excitement are enhanced, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The EL wires are controlled to illuminate periodically rather than continuously. The lighting activates during specific game events such as reel spinning, pay line formations, and winning outcomes, creating dynamic visual excitement while minimizing overall energy consumption compared to continuous illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
Different EL wire segments are controlled independently to provide localized illumination only where needed. Pay line EL wires illuminate when relevant, reel symbol EL wires illuminate during spinning, and decorative EL wires activate during winning sequences. This selective local illumination enhances visual appeal while reducing total energy consumption.
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 increases player engagement by offering a vibrant, attention-catching illumination that enhances the visual appeal and excitement of the gaming experience while being energy-efficient and space-saving compared to conventional bulbs.
Implementation Method 1
A light emitting device is sandwiched between and extends along the periphery of the chrome bracket and the glass panel... A light emitting device is defined by an electroluminescent wire (the EL) having a circular head and a tail portion extending from the circular head
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine includes a cabinet having a glass panel, a player interaction device disposed in the cabinet for determining a winning outcome of the game, and a light emitting device, such as, EL wire, sheet, and the like, extends about the periphery of the glass panel and/or behind the glass panel. A plurality of reels are disposed inside the cabinet and are rotatable about an axis with each reel having an outer surface and a reel strip mounted thereto and a plurality of symbols defined on the reel strip and exposed to the glass panel. At least one pay line is spaced from each of the reels. The pay line is illuminated independent from and in alternating mode with the symbols in response to the winning outcome of the game.