Cascading Symbol Matrices with Linked Positions for Gaming Volatility
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to increase the level of excitement and entertainment in gaming machines by enhancing the number of winning symbol combinations and awards provided to players for a single wager in cascading symbol or tumbling reel games.
Innovation Solution
The gaming system employs multiple symbol display position matrices with linked symbol display positions, using separate sets of symbols for each matrix, where symbols interact upon specific triggering events to modify game attributes, such as turning symbols into wild symbols or changing their values, thereby increasing volatility and award opportunities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple symbol display position matrices with linked positions are used, then the number of winning symbol combinations and awards increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming system is divided into multiple independent symbol display position matrices (first matrix, second matrix, etc.), each with its own symbol pool and evaluation logic. This segmentation allows the system to process multiple matrices simultaneously, increasing the number of winning combinations while keeping each individual matrix relatively simple to manage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hierarchical structure where multiple symbol display matrices are nested within a single gaming system. The system contains multiple matrices, each matrix contains symbol display positions, and symbol display positions across different matrices are linked together. This nesting allows complex multi-matrix interactions to be managed through a unified system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If symbols interact to modify game attributes, then player excitement and volatility increase, but the rules complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-defines specific triggering conditions for symbol interactions (such as obtaining identical symbols at linked positions across matrices, or forming winning combinations at linked positions). These predetermined triggers simplify the rule structure by establishing clear, advance-defined conditions that activate specific effects, rather than requiring continuous complex evaluation of all possible symbol combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different symbols are assigned different functions and properties. Certain symbols are designated as interactable symbols that can trigger modifications when specific conditions are met. This local differentiation allows the system to have complex interaction effects only where needed (at linked positions with specific symbol combinations) while keeping other areas of the game simpler.
3Productivity
If separate symbol pools are used for each matrix, then the number of award opportunities increases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming system employs a universal evaluation mechanism that works across all symbol display matrices. The same evaluation logic, award determination process, and interaction rules are applied universally to each matrix and to the linked positions across matrices. This universal approach allows the system to handle multiple matrices with separate symbol pools while using a single, standardized processing framework.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming system including a cascading symbol game which utilizes a plurality of interacting symbols. In certain embodiments, the cascading symbol game utilizes a plurality of symbol display position matrices or grids. Each symbol display position matrix includes a plurality of symbol display positions. In operation, the gaming system generates and displays a symbol at each symbol display position of each employed symbol display position matrix, wherein the gaming system utilizes a separate set or pool of available symbols for each employed symbol display position matrix. Upon an occurrence of an interacting symbol triggering event, such as the shifting of one or more symbols between symbol display position matrices, the gaming system causes one or more symbols to interact to provide one or more benefits to a player.