Composite Feature Game Triggering in Gaming Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic gaming machines (EGMs) lack the ability to seamlessly integrate and upgrade feature games without increasing complexity, limiting player options and engagement.

Innovation Solution

A gaming device and system that allows for the triggering of composite feature games by combining game play characteristics from multiple feature games, initiated through a feature trigger condition, which can be upgraded based on specific conditions such as increased bets, providing additional game play characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple feature games are integrated into a single gaming device, then player options and engagement are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeature game optionsVSAvoidgameplay complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the feature games into modular components with distinct trigger conditions and game play characteristics. Each feature game operates as an independent module that can be individually triggered and managed, allowing the system to offer multiple feature games without creating a monolithic complex structure. This modular approach enables the gaming device to maintain manageable complexity while providing diverse player options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic feature game integration where the availability and characteristics of feature games change based on real-time game state, bet amounts, and trigger conditions. The system dynamically adjusts which feature games are accessible and modifies their parameters during gameplay, allowing versatility to emerge from dynamic configuration rather than static complexity. This enables the device to offer multiple feature games adaptively without overwhelming the player with constant complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If composite feature games combine characteristics from multiple feature games, then gameplay variety is improved, but understanding and operation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegameplay varietyVSAvoidgameplay understanding
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary classification system that categorizes feature games and their characteristics into standardized groups. This intermediary framework acts as a bridge between the complex combination of feature games and the player's understanding, providing a structured way to comprehend different game modes. The classification system mediates the complexity by organizing diverse gameplay characteristics into recognizable categories, making composite feature games more understandable while maintaining variety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different regions or aspects of the composite feature game to have distinct characteristics from their source feature games. Rather than creating a homogeneous mixed game, the system preserves the unique qualities of each contributing feature game in specific contexts within the composite game. This enables gameplay variety through localized characteristic expression while maintaining ease of operation by keeping each local aspect recognizable and understandable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If feature games are upgraded based on game conditions, then player engagement is improved, but game rule complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayer engagementVSAvoidrule complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feature game upgrades through parameter changes rather than structural modifications. Game conditions such as bet amounts, spin counts, and symbol combinations trigger changes in numerical parameters like multiplier values, game instance counts, and characteristic intensities. This approach enhances player engagement by providing dynamic feedback and progression while avoiding the complexity of fundamentally altering game rules. The upgrade system modifies existing feature games through parameter adjustment, maintaining rule simplicity while improving engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where game outcomes and player actions provide information that triggers subsequent feature game upgrades. The system monitors game state parameters and uses this feedback to determine when and how to upgrade feature games. This feedback loop creates engaging progression without increasing rule complexity, as the upgrade conditions are based on straightforward game state evaluations rather than complex rule interpretations. The feedback-driven upgrade system enhances engagement through responsive gameplay while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20230097046A1Gaming device with upgradeable feature games
Publication Date: 2023.03.30 ARISTOCRAT TECH AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
  • US20230097046A1 patent drawing
  • US20230097046A1 patent drawing
  • US20230097046A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A gaming device comprises a display, a random number generator, a processor, and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor, they cause the processor to conduct a base game from which feature games and at least one composite feature game can be triggered, where the composite feature game comprises game play characteristics from a first feature game and a second feature game of the feature games, and the composite feature game comprises a combination of the different game play characteristics. The composite feature game is initiated in response to a composite feature trigger condition being met. The game instances are presented with one or more feature game icon, which are modified in presentation during the game instances in accordance with an associated game play characteristic for a particular instance.