Rotating Wheel Projector Eliminates Stair Casing Artifacts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating mechanical assemblies in casino games, such as wheel-based games, often exhibit visual artifacts like the 'stair casing' effect due to the use of rectangular grids of pixels to represent sloped lines, which can diminish the gaming experience and discourage play.
Innovation Solution
A rotating wheel assembly with a projector that dynamically projects images onto a translucent disk, using a stepper motor to rotate the wheel and maintain a continuous image projection, allowing for changeable and downloadable graphics, thereby eliminating mechanical limitations and enabling multiple game themes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a stationary projector projects an image across a rotating translucent disk, then the image can be displayed on the wheel, but visual artifacts like the 'stair casing' effect appear due to rectangular pixel grids representing sloped lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the stationary projector with a projector that rotates synchronously with the wheel. This substitution transforms the mechanical projection system into a dynamically coordinated optical-mechanical system, where the projector's rotation matches the wheel's rotation to eliminate the stair casing effect and produce smooth boundary lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static projection setup to a dynamic one where the projector rotates in sync with the wheel. This dynamic coordination ensures that the projection always maintains the correct orientation and smoothness relative to the wheel's rotation, eliminating visual artifacts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical wheel assemblies are used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the graphics are fixed and cannot be dynamically changed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of physically changing wheel segments or graphics, the system uses optical projection to create virtual copies of the wheel's visual appearance. The projector displays graphical content on the translucent wheel, allowing dynamic content changes without modifying the physical wheel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating wheel assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a mechanical rotating component and a display surface for projected graphics. This multi-functionality allows the same physical structure to support both traditional wheel mechanics and modern digital content display capabilities.
3Device complexity
If boundary lines are defined using contrasting colors or thin radial lines, then the wheel structure is simplified, but the human eye detects visual irregularities and the stair casing effect becomes apparent during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static mechanical boundary line definitions (contrasting colors or thin radial lines) with a dynamic optical projection system. The rotating projector continuously renders smooth boundary lines that adapt to the wheel's rotation, eliminating the stair casing effect without complicating the physical wheel 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
The solution provides a smooth, visually appealing rotating image that enhances the gaming experience by eliminating visual irregularities and allowing for dynamic content changes, thereby improving player engagement and game presentation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one projector configured to rotate with the wheel assembly and to project an image across at least a portion of the inner surface
Implementation Method 2
a stepper motor configured to rotate the wheel assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine includes a gaming machine controller configured to control game play on the gaming machine, and a wheel assembly rotatably coupled to the gaming machine controller. The wheel assembly includes a front portion having an inner surface and at least one projector, wherein the at least one projector is configured to rotate with the wheel assembly and to project an image across at least a portion of the inner surface during game play.