Bonus Game Reel Set Activation via Symbol Decrement

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for additional player interaction and enjoyment options in wagering games, particularly in casino environments, to encourage game play, as existing bonus game features may not provide sufficient engagement.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that initiates a bonus game with multiple reel sets, including active and inactive sets, where inactive sets are activated through specific symbols, allowing for dynamic reel set activation during gameplay, enhancing player engagement and interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple reel sets are introduced to the bonus game, then player engagement and interaction are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayer engagementVSAvoidreel set configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bonus game is segmented into multiple independent reel sets (first reel set, second reel set, third reel set) that can be activated independently. Each reel set contains its own symbols and award structures, allowing the system to manage complexity by dividing the overall game into manageable, modular components rather than one large complex game

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reel sets transition from an inactive state to an active state dynamically during gameplay. The system allows reel sets to be activated or deactivated based on game conditions, symbol collections, or random triggers, creating a dynamic game structure that adapts to player progress and maintains engagement without requiring all reel sets to be permanently active

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If inactive reel sets are activated through symbol collection, then player interaction increases, but game duration extends

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayer interactionVSAvoidbonus game duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bonus game employs periodic action through structured spin rounds where players collect symbols over multiple spins. The game progresses through defined phases (e.g., initial spins, intermediate triggers, final awards) with regular intervals, creating a rhythm that maintains player engagement while providing predictable time boundaries for each phase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares and displays all inactive reel sets and their activation requirements before the bonus game begins. Players are shown which symbols are needed and how many spins remain, allowing them to plan their strategy in advance rather than discovering requirements during gameplay, which reduces unnecessary delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250104535A1Wagering game play feature with instant activation of bonus game reel sets

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A plurality of reel sets for a bonus game includes a first subset of active reel sets and a second subset of inactive reel sets, each associated with a respective quantity of activation symbols. In response to a particular game symbol for the bonus game including an activation symbol, the quantity of activation symbols required to activate each inactive reel set is decremented, and in response to the quantity of a particular inactive reel set decrementing to zero, the inactive reel set is activated. In response to a particular game symbol including an instant activation symbol, a first inactive reel set is activated. Each activated reel set is an active reel set in the first subset for subsequent bonus game spins.