Gaming Machine Top Box Wheel Assembly with Circular Bezel
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for alternative top box and wheel structures in gaming machines to enhance versatility and excitement in presenting different games to players, as existing solutions lack innovation in providing wheel-based displays and interactive experiences.
Innovation Solution
A top box wheel assembly featuring a flat panel display mounted on a rectangular cabinet with a circular bezel that overlays the display, creating a wheel-shaped area for programmable images, and includes a rectangular cutout for additional displays, along with a circular pattern of LEDs that can be operated synchronously or quasi-synchronously with the wheel and indicator images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a flat panel display is mounted on a rectangular cabinet top box structure, then the display area is maximized, but the wheel-shaped display area cannot be formed
Solution Approach 1:
The display area is segmented into two functional zones: a rectangular base display area that maximizes space utilization, and a circular wheel-shaped overlay area that provides the game interface. The rectangular display shows game information while the circular wheel area provides the interactive wheel game, allowing both shapes to coexist and serve different purposes simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The circular wheel-shaped display area is nested over the rectangular flat panel display, creating a layered structure. The wheel assembly includes a circular bezel structure that overlays the rectangular display, with the wheel itself positioned within the circular frame. This nesting allows the rectangular display to serve as a background or information display while the circular wheel provides the primary game interface.
2Shape
If a circular bezel structure overlays the flat panel display, then the wheel-shaped display area is created, but the rectangular display area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The display functionality is segmented between two distinct areas: the rectangular base display that provides game information, paytables, and other textual or graphical information, and the circular wheel overlay that provides the interactive wheel game. Each area serves its specific purpose, and together they provide a complete gaming experience that would not be possible in a single shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system is designed with multi-functionality, where the rectangular display can show various types of information (game rules, paytables, player information) while the circular wheel area provides the primary game interaction. This universal design allows the same physical display hardware to serve multiple functional purposes through different overlay content.
3Illumination intensity
If a circular pattern of LEDs is added to the bezel structure, then the visual effect is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circular pattern of LEDs around the wheel provides dynamic color changes and illumination effects that enhance the visual appeal of the wheel game. The LEDs can change colors to indicate different wheel segments, provide feedback to players, create atmospheric effects, and highlight important information. This lighting system adds visual excitement without requiring complex mechanical moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED lighting system replaces or supplements traditional mechanical indicators and physical moving parts with electronic lighting effects. Instead of using mechanical flags, lights, or physical indicators around the wheel, the system uses programmable LEDs that can be controlled electronically to provide similar or enhanced visual feedback, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving visual effects.
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 enhances the gaming experience by providing a versatile and engaging wheel-based display that can be programmed with various images and effects, improving player interaction and excitement through dynamic visual and audio presentations.
Implementation Method 1
The circular bezel structure may further include a circular pattern of LEDs which may be operated synchronously or quasi-synchronously with the wheel and indicator images
Data Source
AI summary
A top box wheel assembly and method are disclosed wherein a flat panel display is mounted on a rectangular shaped cabinet top box structure and a circular bezel structure overlays the flat panel display such that a wheel-shaped display area is provided. The circular bezel structure also is shown to include a rectangular cutout base to also provide a rectangular-shaped display area. The circular bezel structure is further shown to include a circular pattern of LEDs which may be operated synchronously or quasi-synchronously with the wheel-shaped display area on which a rotating wheel may be displayed together with an indicator.