Concentric Symbol Generators for Multi-Game Gaming Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming devices with physical symbol generators, such as electromechanical reels, cannot easily switch between different game programs without hardware modifications, limiting the ability to offer multiple game types using the same physical symbol generators.
Innovation Solution
A gaming system with a central server that communicates different game programs to gaming devices, which utilize concentric symbol generators with a fixed set of symbols, allowing each device to execute various game programs by activating different subsets of symbols and modifying their functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical symbol generators are used in gaming devices, then player enjoyment and excitement are enhanced through physical movements, but the device cannot easily switch between different game programs without hardware modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The symbol generator is divided into multiple independent symbol sets (first set, second set, third set) that can be selectively activated. Each symbol set can be independently controlled to display different symbols based on the selected game program, allowing the device to switch between games without physical hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates different symbol sets based on the game program being executed. The controller can switch between symbol sets in real-time, making the physical symbol generator adaptable to different game types and configurations without requiring hardware modifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If video display with non-physical symbol generators is used, then game program conversion is simple through communication from central controller, but player enjoyment from physical movements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The physical symbol generator is designed to perform multiple functions by displaying different symbol sets for different game programs. The same physical reels can be configured to show various symbol combinations, making the device universal enough to handle multiple game types while retaining physical movement appeal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary control mechanism that selects which symbol set to display based on the active game program. This intermediary layer allows the physical symbol generator to be controlled flexibly without requiring physical reconfiguration, bridging the gap between fixed hardware and variable game requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical symbol generators are converted to different game types, then multiple game options are provided, but hardware modifications are required which increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The symbol generator incorporates multiple segmented symbol sets that can be independently activated. Instead of requiring hardware modifications to change game types, the system simply switches between pre-configured symbol sets, eliminating the need for physical reconfiguration and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (which symbol set is displayed) rather than physical hardware configuration. By modifying which symbol set is activated based on the game program, the device can offer multiple game types without requiring hardware modifications, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming system with a central server or controller operable to communicate a plurality of different game programs to one, more or each of the gaming devices, wherein each gaming device executes the communicated game program by utilizing one, more or each of the concentric reels. Each game program represents a different setting, configuration or type game which may be played on one, more or each of the gaming devices in the gaming system.