Transmissive Display Overlaying Mechanical Play Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromechanical amusement game machines often experience reduced player interest and revenue due to unpopularity, leading to extended periods of inactivity, necessitating new game concepts or features to maintain player engagement.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a transmissive electronic display, such as a translucent flat panel LCD, positioned in front of the mechanical play field, which overlays game imagery, scores, and interactive graphics, creating an augmented reality experience by enhancing and transforming the mechanical play elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a transmissive electronic display is integrated over the play field, then player interaction and visual engagement are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electronic display with the play field structure by positioning the display directly over the play field area. This integration allows the display to become an inherent part of the game machine, providing augmented visual information without requiring separate display structures, thereby improving player engagement while managing complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual dimension by overlaying electronic display content on top of the physical play field. This creates a layered information structure where players can see both the mechanical play elements and digital graphics simultaneously, enhancing interaction through multi-dimensional visual feedback without fundamentally altering the mechanical gameplay structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a transmissive electronic display is integrated over the play field, then player engagement during inactive periods is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic display serves multiple functions: it displays game information during active play, provides visually stimulating graphics during inactive periods to attract players, and can potentially display advertising or promotional content. This multi-functionality justifies the manufacturing cost by maximizing the utility and revenue-generating potential of the display component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the display overlays game imagery and interactive graphics, then player enjoyment is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display can operate in periodic cycles, showing visually stimulating graphics during inactive periods when power consumption is acceptable, and transitioning to information display mode during active play. This periodic operation allows the system to provide enhanced player enjoyment while managing power consumption through timed activation rather than continuous operation.
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 augmented reality experience increases player interaction and enjoyment, maintaining interest and potentially increasing play frequency, even during inactive periods by providing visually stimulating graphics and interactive elements.
Implementation Method 1
a transmissive electronic display, such as a translucent flat panel LCD, positioned in front of the mechanical play field
Data Source
AI summary
A game machine featuring a play field, a light source and a transmissive electronic display covering at least a portion of the play field. The play field having a top and bottom and a translucent back panel having first and second sides. The back panel being located between the play field and the light source. The play field located between the back panel and the electronic display. The light source illuminating the electronic display through the back panel to present images over the play field.