Variable Reel Strip with Selective Backlighting for Gaming Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slot machines with mechanical reels face challenges in increasing the number of possible combinations without increasing machine size or component count, which complicates maintenance and requires additional space.
Innovation Solution
A gaming device with a reel assembly that includes a flexible laminate reel strip and a light source capable of projecting different light configurations, allowing for variable symbols to be displayed based on the light mode, thereby increasing the number of possible combinations without enlarging the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional or larger reels are used to increase the number of possible combinations, then the number of combinations increases, but the machine size and floor space occupied increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reel strip incorporates a variable portion with first and second images that can be selectively displayed by changing the light configuration. The light source transitions between first and second light configurations to reveal different images, effectively doubling the symbol options without adding physical reels or increasing machine footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a temporal/dynamic dimension to the reel strip by incorporating variable portions that can display different images at different times. Instead of expanding horizontally with more reels, the solution vertically layers multiple images within the same physical space, switching between them through light configuration changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional or larger reels are used to increase the number of possible combinations, then the number of combinations increases, but the number of components and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single reel strip structure. The variable portion contains both first and second images that can be selectively displayed, combining what would traditionally require separate reels or reel sections into one integrated component. This reduces the total number of mechanical parts while maintaining increased combinatorial possibilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source serves multiple functions: it illuminates the reel strip for visibility and simultaneously controls which image (first or second) is displayed in the variable portion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms to switch between different symbol sets, reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the light source projects light in different configurations, then different images become viewable increasing combinations, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls the variable portion display by changing light parameters (configuration between first and second states). Instead of complex mechanical switching or electronic displays, the invention uses simple parameter changes in the light source to reveal different images, keeping the control mechanism straightforward while achieving increased versatility.
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 enhances the number of possible combinations in slot machines, reduces maintenance complexity, and maintains a compact machine design by using light configuration changes to alter symbol visibility, improving gameplay without increasing physical size or components.
Implementation Method 1
a light source located within the cabinet and configured to selectively project a light for backlighting the reel strip, wherein the light source has a first mode for projecting the light in a first configuration and a second mode for projecting the light in a second configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming device includes a cabinet, a display coupled to the cabinet, and a reel assembly positioned within the cabinet. The reel assembly includes a reel configured to rotate, and a reel strip coupled to the reel and including a symbol having a first image and a second image. The gaming device also includes a light source located within the cabinet and configured to selectively project a light for backlighting the reel strip, wherein the light source has a first mode for projecting the light in a first configuration and a second mode for projecting the light in a second configuration, and a game controller coupled to the cabinet and configured to control the light source. The first image is viewable when the light source projects the light in the first configuration to backlight the reel strip, and the second image is viewable when the light source projects the light in the second configuration to backlight the reel strip.