Surface-Integrated Speakers for 3D Audio in Gaming Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic gaming machines (EGMs) face space limitations that prevent them from producing true 3D sound and limit the placement of sound-emitting components, restricting the immersive audio experiences they can offer.
Innovation Solution
The integration of surface-integrated speakers into various surfaces of the EGM, such as display surfaces and button surfaces, allows for the output of true 3D audio from specific positions, enhancing the audio-visual experience and providing additional space for other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional speaker systems are used in EGMs, then audio output capability is provided, but space limitations prevent true 3D sound and limit component placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio output system into multiple surface-integrated speakers distributed across different surfaces of the EGM (display surface, button surface, etc.). Each speaker is a separate, integrated unit that can be independently positioned, enabling 3D spatial audio without requiring a large centralized speaker system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the speaker functionality directly into existing surfaces of the EGM (display surface, button surface). The speakers are integrated into the surfaces themselves rather than being separate components, eliminating the need for additional space dedicated to traditional speaker systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple speakers are added to achieve true 3D sound, then immersive audio experience is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surface-integrated speakers serve multiple functions: they provide audio output, maintain the visual display surface integrity, and can be positioned on various surfaces (display, buttons) to create 3D spatial audio. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to adding separate speaker components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D speaker placement to 3D spatial distribution by integrating speakers across multiple surfaces and positions of the EGM. This dimensional expansion enables true 3D sound without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the speakers utilize existing structural surfaces.
3Measurement precision
If surface-integrated speakers are used, then true 3D audio from specific positions is achieved, but manufacturing integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The speakers are pre-integrated into the surfaces during the manufacturing process rather than being added as separate components later. This preliminary integration simplifies the overall manufacturing workflow and ensures precise positioning of each speaker on the display surface, button surface, and other EGM surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic gaming machine (“EGM”) can include a surface-integrated speaker, a processor circuit coupled to the surface-integrated speaker, and a memory coupled to the processor circuit. The memory can include machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor circuit, cause the EGM to perform operations. The operations can include determining a position on the EGM from which to output audio. The operations can further include outputting, via a surface-integrated speaker, the audio at the position.