Blackjack Bonus Feature Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Video Blackjack games have a low payback percentage compared to other casino games, making them less attractive to players, and existing attempts to increase payouts do not significantly enhance the gaming experience.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a bonus feature in video Blackjack games where players can achieve additional awards by completing specific card combinations during a bonus period, triggered by certain winning outcomes, which can include both player and dealer hands, increasing the potential winnings beyond standard game payouts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the payout for winning Blackjack hands is increased, then the payback percentage is improved, but the game excitement and player engagement do not significantly increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepayback percentageVSAvoidgame excitement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The game is divided into two distinct components: the base Blackjack game and the bonus event. The bonus event segments the reward structure by introducing separate bonus elements and bonus awards that are independent from standard winning outcomes. This segmentation allows the patent to increase overall payback percentage through the bonus feature while maintaining the integrity and excitement of the base game through its own separate progression and reward mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bonus event introduces dynamic elements to the game by creating a time-limited bonus period with progressive bonus elements that must be collected. The bonus award dynamically adjusts based on how many bonus elements are collected during the bonus period, creating variable rewards that enhance player engagement. This dynamic structure transforms the static payout system into an engaging progression system that maintains excitement while improving payback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If a bonus event with bonus period is introduced, then player engagement and excitement are improved, but the game complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayer engagementVSAvoidgame structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bonus event serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a timer-based progression system, a collection mechanism for bonus elements, and a reward distribution system. The bonus period functions both as a time constraint for player action and as a structured framework for awarding bonuses. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms, thereby managing game structure complexity while maintaining high player engagement through diverse game mechanics within a unified bonus event framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bonus event is triggered by preliminary actions during base game play, such as achieving specific winning outcomes or collecting certain card combinations. These preliminary actions in the base game automatically initiate the bonus event, creating a seamless transition that does not require complex player input or game state management. The preliminary triggering mechanisms are embedded in the base game rules, allowing the bonus event to activate naturally without adding significant structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If bonus elements are required during bonus period, then additional awards are improved, but the difficulty of achieving bonus outcomes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonus awardVSAvoidbonus achievement difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bonus event implements continuous feedback mechanisms that inform players of their progress toward collecting bonus elements during the bonus period. The system provides feedback on how many bonus elements have been collected, how many remain needed, and the current status of the bonus award. This feedback loop helps players understand the difficulty level and adjust their strategies accordingly, making the achievement process more transparent and manageable while still maintaining challenging bonus award requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The bonus event allows for parameter changes in the bonus award based on the number of bonus elements collected during the bonus period. The award structure can dynamically adjust parameters such as award amount, multiplier levels, or additional bonus opportunities based on player performance. This parameter flexibility enables the game to maintain high bonus award potential while adjusting the effective difficulty based on player skill and luck, balancing challenge with achievable rewards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9053611B2Blackjack game with bonus feature
Publication Date: 2015.06.09 GLOBAL GAMING LLC
  • US9053611B2 patent drawing
  • US9053611B2 patent drawing
  • US9053611B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bonus event for Blackjack card games is provided. The bonus event has two or more designated bonus element, such as card hands. If one of the bonus elements is achieved as the result of play of a first Blackjack game, the bonus event is triggered. A bonus award is paid to the player if the player receives remaining required bonus elements as a result of the play of additional Blackjack games during the bonus period. The game is preferably played against a dealer at a video Blackjack machine and offers the player the opportunity for awards for each Blackjack game win and one or more additional bonus awards.