Gaming Machine Illumination Device with Switchable Light Guide and Graphic Display
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illumination devices for gaming machines produce uniform and flat effects, lacking a three-dimensional and distinctive visual experience.
Innovation Solution
The proposed illumination device incorporates a disk-shaped member with a graphic, a rotary drive unit, a light source unit, a light guide plate, and a display control unit, allowing for the switching between light guide plate displays and graphic displays on the disk-shaped member, creating a three-dimensional effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a liquid crystal panel combined with LEDs is used to produce effects, then various effect screens can be displayed, but the effect becomes uniform and flat, lacking three-dimensional distinction
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple functional layers: a light guide plate layer, a disk-shaped member layer with graphics, and multiple light source units positioned at different locations. Each layer performs a specific function, and their combination creates the overall display effect. The light guide plate is segmented into multiple light emission regions that can be independently controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat display to a three-dimensional effect by introducing depth through the layered structure. The light guide plate with its incident surface and exit surface creates light propagation in the third dimension. Multiple light sources positioned at different depths and angles contribute to creating a sense of depth and spatial dimensionality in the display.
2Illumination intensity
If a light guide plate is used to produce displays, then light can be emitted in specific patterns, but the underlying graphics on the disk-shaped member cannot be displayed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different display modes by controlling the timing and intensity of light emission from different light source units. The first light source unit illuminates the light guide plate for light guide displays, while the second light source unit illuminates the disk-shaped member for graphic displays. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to adapt to different display requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can display light guide patterns, display graphics on the disk-shaped member, and potentially combine both. The housing unit accommodates multiple light source units that can be selectively activated, making the device universal for different display scenarios and game states.
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 configuration enables the production of a three-dimensional and distinctive effect, enhancing the visual experience of gaming machines by dynamically switching between light guide plate displays and graphic displays.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide plate (14e), and has an incident surface on which light emitted from the first light source unit (14bb) is incident, and an exit surface from which the light incident from the incident surface is emitted
Implementation Method 2
The first light source unit (14bb) is provided on the front side of the disk-shaped member (14c) in the housing unit (14), and emits light in a specific direction
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination device 10 includes a reel 13a, a roulette wheel 14c, a motor 14i, an LED tape 14bb, a light guide plate 14e, and a control unit 16. The roulette wheel 14c is provided to the reel 13a and has first graphics formed thereon. The center of rotation of the motor 14i is the center of the roulette wheel 14c. The LED tape 14bb is provided on the front side of the roulette wheel 14c and emits light. The light guide plate 14e is provided on the front side of the roulette wheel 14c, and the light emitted from the LED tape 14bb is incident thereon. The control unit 16 controls the LED tape 14bb so as to switch between a display produced by the light guide plate 14e and a display of the first graphics on the roulette wheel 14c by lighting or not lighting the incident surface of the light guide plate 14e, according to the state of play on a gaming machine 20.