Vertical Audio Perception in Electronic Gaming Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic gaming devices lack immersive sound experiences, which can lead to reduced player engagement and enjoyment, as existing sound systems do not effectively utilize vertical sound propagation to enhance the gaming environment.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of vertically-oriented sound devices, including stereo imaging audio devices, dialog-enhancing center channel speakers, and subwoofers, which use discrete stereo signals and encoded surround sound to create an immersive audio experience by moving sound along the Y-Plane, in addition to traditional X-Plane movement, optimizing sound within the physical parameters of the gaming cabinet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional sound systems are used in electronic gaming devices, then the device structure remains simple, but the player entertainment level and engagement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vertical sound propagation (Y-Plane) in addition to traditional horizontal sound movement (X-Plane), creating a three-dimensional audio experience. This dimensional expansion allows sound to move not only across the cabinet horizontally but also vertically along the cabinet edges and through multiple spatial layers, thereby enhancing player immersion and entertainment without requiring complete system replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The sound system is divided into multiple independent audio devices positioned at different locations: vertically-oriented sound devices along cabinet edges, center channel speakers, subwoofers, and overhead speakers. Each segment handles specific audio functions and spatial zones, allowing the system to create immersive directional sound while maintaining modular installation and preserving overall structural simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If vertically-oriented sound devices are added to create immersive audio, then player engagement is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertically-oriented sound devices serve multiple functions simultaneously: they create vertical sound propagation, provide directional audio cues, enhance dialog perception through center channel positioning, and deliver bass through integrated subwoofers. This multi-functionality allows a single device placement to achieve multiple audio objectives, reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying overall system configuration while maintaining high player engagement
3Loss of information
If sound moves along the Y-Plane vertically, then dialog and music perception is improved, but the physical space requirements within the cabinet increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sound system concentrates audio processing power and speaker positioning at specific strategic locations within the cabinet rather than distributing components uniformly. Vertically-oriented sound devices are positioned along edges where they can project sound upward and outward, center channel speakers are placed optimally for dialog clarity, and subwoofers are positioned to maximize bass propagation. This localized optimization achieves superior dialog and music perception while minimizing overall space requirements by avoiding redundant component placement throughout the entire cabinet volume
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein relate to an electronic gaming device including one or more processors, a memory, and one or more display devices. The electronic gaming device further includes a left surround audio device, a right surround audio device, a dialog enhancing center channel speaker, a low frequency effects device, a left speaker, and a right speaker. The combination of the left surround audio device; the right surround audio device; the dialog enhancing center channel speaker; the low frequency effects device; the left speaker; and/or the right speaker produce one or more sound effects in a vertical direction.