Programmable Shaders for Wagering Game Visual Realism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wagering game machine manufacturers face challenges in maintaining player interest due to repetitive content, despite offering various base games and bonus events, leading to a need for innovative methods to enhance the entertainment value through graphical enhancements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of programmable shaders in graphics processing units within wagering game machines to apply graphical characteristics such as texture, shadowing, and lighting to three-dimensional graphical objects, allowing for dynamic and realistic rendering of game elements, which can be updated and distributed via networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If three-dimensional renderings are used to provide more realistic images, then visual appeal and realism are improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional CPU-based rendering with GPU-based parallel processing architecture. The graphics processing unit uses vertex shaders and pixel shaders to perform mass parallel computations for three-dimensional rendering, substituting sequential mechanical processing with parallel electronic processing to achieve realistic images while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rendering process is segmented into distinct stages: vertex processing, rasterization, and pixel processing. Each stage is handled by specialized shader programs that operate independently and in parallel, breaking down the complex rendering task into manageable segments that can be processed simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If graphical content is updated frequently to maintain player interest, then entertainment value is improved, but loss of time for content creation and distribution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses shader programs as reusable templates that can be copied and distributed across multiple wagering game machines. Instead of creating custom graphical content for each machine, the same shader programs are replicated and executed locally, enabling rapid content updates through simple file distribution rather than complex installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The shader programs are designed to be universal and machine-independent, capable of running on any wagering game machine with compatible graphics hardware. This multi-functionality allows a single set of graphical programs to serve multiple purposes and platforms, reducing the time and effort required for content creation and deployment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If advanced graphical processing is implemented to enhance entertainment value, then player engagement is improved, but use of energy and processing power increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic shader programming where the complexity and detail of graphical processing can be adjusted in real-time based on system capabilities and requirements. Shader programs can dynamically modify rendering parameters, lighting effects, and texture quality to optimize energy consumption while maintaining entertainment value.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing programs on wagering game machine peripherals are described. The programs may be shader programs for execution by one or more programmable shaders on a graphics processing unit. The programs may provide a graphical result, e.g. an output on a display, or may provide a non-graphical result of a computation to a general purpose processor on the wagering game machine.