Gaming Machine Reel with Integrated Electronic Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming machines either rely on fixed symbols on reel strips, which are difficult to change, or use video displays that lack the aesthetic appeal of electromechanical machines with physical, spinning reels.
Innovation Solution
A display device for gaming machines featuring a mechanical reel with variable symbol positions, where electronic displays such as TFT, OLED, or LCD are integrated within or behind the reel, allowing dynamic content display through transparent sections, and controlled by stepper motors and microprocessors for rotational movement and stop positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed symbols are printed on reel strips, then the symbols are stable and durable, but they cannot be changed without replacing the entire reel strip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of printed symbols on reel strips with an electronic display system. Instead of physically printing symbols that require reel strip replacement, the invention uses electronic displays (such as LCD, LED, or other display technologies) to dynamically generate and change symbols. This substitution allows symbols to be changed through software control without any physical replacement of reel strips, thereby improving adaptability while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from static printed symbols to dynamic electronic symbols that can change over time. The electronic display system allows symbols to be updated, animated, and modified during operation without physical intervention. This dynamic approach enables the gaming machine to adapt to different game themes, outcomes, and player preferences while maintaining the visual appearance of traditional reel strips.
2Adaptability or versatility
If video displays are used to show virtual reels, then symbol flexibility is improved, but the aesthetic appeal and player experience of physical spinning reels is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both physical and video display systems by integrating electronic displays within or behind the physical reel structure. The electronic displays provide symbol flexibility and programmability, while the physical reel structure maintains the aesthetic appeal and tactile sensation of traditional spinning reels. This combination allows the system to offer the best of both worlds: dynamic symbol changes with the visual and mechanical appeal of physical reels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the physical reel strip as an intermediary element between the electronic display system and the player. The reel strip acts as a visual mediator that translates electronic signals into the familiar appearance of physical reels. By positioning the electronic display behind or within the reel strip, the system maintains the aesthetic qualities of mechanical reels while enabling digital flexibility in symbol presentation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electronic displays are integrated within mechanical reels, then dynamic symbol display is enabled, but the structural complexity of the reel assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements the nested doll principle by placing electronic displays within the structure of the mechanical reel assembly. The display components are nested inside or behind the reel strip structure, allowing the electronic system to be integrated without significantly increasing the external dimensions or overall complexity of the reel assembly. This nesting approach enables dynamic symbol display while maintaining a compact and manageable reel structure.
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 enables dynamic symbol display and animation, enhancing player experience by combining mechanical reel aesthetics with electronic flexibility, allowing for changing game outcomes and themes without replacing reel strips, while simplifying connections and maintaining the spinning reel effect.
Implementation Method 1
the display is selected from the group comprising a TFT, an OLED, and an LCD
Implementation Method 2
the display is selected from the group comprising a TFT, an OLED, and an LCD
Implementation Method 3
the display is selected from the group comprising a TFT, an OLED, and an LCD
Implementation Method 4
the driver comprises a stepper motor that drives the mechanical reel
Implementation Method 5
the variable displaying position is defined by a light transmissive portion in the mechanical reel
Data Source
AI summary
A display, as for an electronic gaming machine, includes one or more rotatable mechanical reels including at least one variable displaying position at which the display may be varied. Content is displayed at the variable displaying position when the variable displaying position registers with the display. One or more reels can include a reel strip which includes at one location a pre-printed symbol and at another location a window. A video display can be arranged, configured and controlled by a processor to cast a display at the inside of the reel to impart light and video effects to pre-printed symbol locations or to cast video content through the reel strip window.