Overlapping LCD Panels for Gaming Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in gaming machines is to minimize the inactive gap between overlapping LCD displays, which affects the overall entertainment value and perceived quality, especially when viewed from closer distances, due to the inherent limitations of bezel narrowness and inactive area widths.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves positioning one LCD panel's inactive edge to overlap the other's inactive edge, allowing for a unitary light guide to illuminate both panels, thereby reducing the inactive gap and creating a seamless display surface without obstructing the active display regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple LCD panels are joined to create a larger display, then the total resolution and display area are improved, but the gap between panels becomes more objectionable
Solution Approach 1:
A transition device is introduced as an intermediary element between adjacent LCD panels. This device includes a transition area with light-emitting components (LEDs or OLEDs) that illuminate the gap region, making it less objectionable and blending it with the surrounding display content.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition device changes the color and brightness of the gap region to match or complement the adjacent display content. By dynamically adjusting the color and imagery in the transition area, the gap becomes visually integrated with the overall display, reducing its objectionability.
2Length of stationary object
If the bezel width of LCD panels is reduced to minimize gaps, then the visual continuity is improved, but the manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The transition device serves as a mediator that absorbs the alignment tolerances and manufacturing variations. By providing a visual transition zone, it compensates for the imprecise alignment that would otherwise be problematic with narrower bezels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the optical parameters (brightness, color) of the transition area to mask the physical gaps caused by manufacturing tolerances. This parameter change in the visual domain compensates for the dimensional imperfections in the physical assembly.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a transition device is added to shield the gap, then the visual continuity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transition device performs multiple functions: it shields the physical gap, provides additional illumination, and can display complementary imagery. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated component, the overall system complexity is managed more effectively than if separate components were used for each function.
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 minimizes the inactive gap between LCD panels, enhancing the visual experience by reducing the dead space and providing a more immersive and continuous display, which is particularly beneficial for gaming machines where entertainment value is crucial.
Implementation Method 1
A first LCD panel includes a pair of opposing first inactive sides and an active first display region between the pair of first inactive sides. The second LCD panel includes a pair of opposing second inactive sides and an active second display region between the pair of second inactive sides. The first and second LCD panels are mounted against a unitary light guide lying behind the LCD panels, configured to illuminate both the first and second LCD panels.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming system includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) assembly including a first LCD panel and a second LCD panel. The first LCD panel and the second LCD panel each have an active display region between two opposing inactive sides of the respective LCD panel. At least one LCD panel includes an LCD glass panel which is cut, removing the majority of the inactive side and creating a smaller, inactive side at the edge of the respective LCD panel, adjacent to the active display region. The first and second LCD panels are mounted onto a single light source illuminating both the first and second LCD panels, such that inactive side at the edge of the at least one cut LCD panel overlaps another inactive side of the other LCD panel at one edge without obscuring any of the active display region of either LCD panel.