Sound-Generating Video Display Devices for Gaming Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming machines face space constraints in integrating audio and video components, making it difficult to create an immersive experience due to limited space for speakers, especially with the transition from CRT to larger LCD displays, and existing solutions like using glass panels for sound generation are costly and impractical.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sound-generating display devices with transducers mounted behind flat panel electronic displays, such as LCD or LED displays, which can produce sound by moving portions of the display, allowing for integrated audio and video within the same space without the need for separate speakers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If larger LCD or LED displays are used to replace CRT displays, then video display quality and player visibility are improved, but space for mounting separate speakers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the audio and video functions into a single integrated display device. Transducers are mounted behind the flat panel display to convert electrical audio signals into mechanical vibrations that move the display panel itself, eliminating the need for separate speaker components and enabling both high-quality video and audio within the same space.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat panel display serves dual functions: it displays visual information and generates audio output. The display panel acts as both a visual interface and a sound-generating element, allowing the same component to perform multiple functions that traditionally required separate devices.
2Reliability
If multiple separate speakers are added to create surround sound, then audio experience is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple transducers are integrated behind the display panel to create a surround sound effect. Instead of using separate speaker units distributed around the machine, the transducers work together to project sound from different perceived locations through the single display surface, reducing component count while maintaining audio quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a perceived three-dimensional sound field from a two-dimensional display surface. By strategically positioning and controlling multiple transducers behind the display, sound appears to emanate from different locations across the display area, creating a surround sound experience without requiring physical speakers in three-dimensional space around the machine.
3Power
If glass panels are used for sound generation, then speaker size is increased, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flat panel display serves as both the visual display and the sound-generating element. By integrating transducers behind the existing display panel, the system eliminates the need for separate glass sound-generating panels, reducing manufacturing steps and costs while maintaining the dual function of visual and audio output.
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 aligning visual and audio cues, providing a more realistic sound source perception and overcoming space limitations, while reducing costs associated with separate sound systems.
Implementation Method 1
one or more transducers mounted to the rear of the video display and configured to cause the video display to generate sound as a result of movement of one or more portions thereof by the one or more transducers
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine includes at least one sound-generating display device. The sound-generating display device is configured to not only display information such as game information, but to generate sound. In one embodiment one or more transducers are mounted to a back or rear portion of a video display and cause one or more portions of the video display, such as a front panel thereof, to move, thus generating sound. The one or more transducers are controlled to generate sound, including to generate sound which has sound which is perceived to emanate from particular areas of the video display.