Multi-Dimensional Cascading Symbols Gaming System

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to enhance the level of excitement and entertainment in gaming devices and to provide new ways for better gaming experiences by increasing the number of winning symbol combinations and awards in gaming systems.

Innovation Solution

A multi-dimensional symbol wagering game system that allows players to select paylines, wager, and choose symbols in a selection order, with symbols displayed in multiple grids at different depths, enabling cascading symbols and rotating symbols to create additional winning opportunities by revealing hidden symbols and re-evaluating symbol combinations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple symbol display position grids at different depths are used, then the number of winning symbol combinations and awards is increased, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of winning symbol combinationsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a two-dimensional symbol display grid to a three-dimensional arrangement with multiple grids at different depths. This allows symbols to be displayed across multiple depth planes, creating additional winning opportunities when symbols cascade from higher depths to lower depths, thereby increasing the number of winning symbol combinations without requiring a proportional increase in device physical size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nesting by placing multiple symbol display position grids within a hierarchical depth structure. Each grid is nested at a specific depth level, with grids at higher depths containing symbols that can cascade into grids at lower depths. This nested arrangement allows the system to process multiple layers of symbols simultaneously, increasing productivity while managing complexity through organized hierarchical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If cascading symbols and rotating symbols are implemented, then player engagement and entertainment value are enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayer engagementVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing cascading symbol movement where symbols physically move from symbol display position grids at higher depths to grids at lower depths. This dynamic movement creates engaging visual effects and multiple evaluation opportunities. Additionally, the system dynamically rotates symbols to reveal different faces, adding versatility and player engagement while managing complexity through programmed animation sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through the structured sequence of symbol cascading and rotation. Symbols cascade periodically from higher depth grids to lower depth grids, and symbol faces rotate periodically to reveal different sides. These periodic actions create rhythmic gameplay patterns that enhance player engagement while allowing the system to manage complexity through predictable, repeating sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If symbols are displayed in multiple grids at different depths, then additional winning opportunities are created, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring winning combinations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency of winning combinationsVSAvoiddifficulty of detecting winning combinations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the symbol display system into multiple separate grids organized by depth levels. Each grid is evaluated independently for winning combinations, and symbols cascade sequentially from one grid to the next. This segmentation allows the system to process winning combinations in discrete, manageable units across multiple depth levels, increasing the frequency of winning opportunities while maintaining detection simplicity through modular evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-organizing symbol display position grids in a hierarchical depth structure before symbols are assigned. The system establishes the depth hierarchy and cascade pathways in advance, so that when symbols are generated and assigned to grids, the evaluation process can proceed systematically from higher depths to lower depths. This preliminary structuring simplifies the detection of winning combinations by providing a predetermined evaluation sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20130023336A1Gaming system and method for providing a multi-dimensional cascading symbols game with player selection of symbols
Publication Date: 2013.01.24 INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US20130023336A1 patent drawing
  • US20130023336A1 patent drawing
  • US20130023336A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A gaming system and method providing a multi-dimensional symbol wagering game is provided. A player selects a payline, places a wager on the selected payline, and selects a plurality of a plurality of different symbols in a selection order. Symbols are generated and displayed at each of a plurality of symbol display positions. If at least a designated quantity of the symbol display positions associated with the selected payline displays any one of the selected symbols, the gaming system determines a display order of the generated and displayed symbols associated with the selected payline, and determines any awards associated with the selected payline based on a quantity of the symbol display positions associated with the selected payline that display the player selected symbols and a comparison of the selection order with the display order. Any awards are provided to the player. Cascading and rotating symbol features are provided.