Translucent Reel Strip Opacity Gradient for Gaming Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slot reels in gaming devices have visible lines at the ends of the reel strips, which detract from the appearance and create contrast, disrupting the uniformity of the reel's surface.
Innovation Solution
A translucent reel strip with a uniform background image and graphical images, featuring first and second gradient images at opposite ends with opacity gradients, is arranged to overlap, reducing the visibility of the strip's edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional reel strip is used with uniform opacity, then the manufacturing process is simple, but visible lines appear at the ends of the strip creating contrast and disrupting uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing opacity gradients specifically at the end regions of the reel strip while maintaining uniform opacity in the central region. The first and second gradient images are positioned at opposite ends of the reel strip, creating localized transparency variations that reduce edge visibility without affecting the overall uniform appearance of the reel surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes through opacity gradients to resolve the visual contrast issue. By transitioning from opaque to transparent regions at the ends of the reel strip through gradient images, the patent creates a smooth visual transition that eliminates the harsh contrast between the reel strip edges and the reel background, while maintaining the ability to display graphical images in the central region.
2Shape
If gradient images are added to reduce edge visibility, then the aesthetic appearance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the reel strip into distinct functional regions: a central region with uniform opacity for displaying graphical images, and end regions with gradient images for reducing edge visibility. This segmentation allows each region to serve its specific purpose while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimensional change by adding opacity variation along the length of the reel strip. Instead of uniform opacity throughout, the patent creates a three-dimensional opacity profile with gradients at the ends, transforming the two-dimensional uniform strip into a structure with varying optical properties that reduces edge contrast.
Data Source
AI summary
A translucent reel strip for a reel of a gaming device includes a background image having a uniform first opacity value, a plurality of graphical images, a first gradient image between a first end of the background image and a first edge of the reel strip, including a first opacity gradient between a second opacity value proximate the first end of the background image and a third opacity value less than the second opacity value proximate the first edge of the reel strip, and a second gradient image between a second end of the background image and a second edge of the reel strip opposite the first edge, including a second opacity gradient between the second opacity value proximate the second end of the background image and the third opacity value proximate the second edge of the reel strip.