Continuous Symbol Sequence Mechanics for Random Game Outcomes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic gaming machines (EGMs) lack innovative user interface (UI) features and game mechanics that enhance player experience and usability while maintaining regulatory requirements for randomness and return to player (RTP) rates.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a continuous symbol sequence supplemental game feature that uses a random number generator (RNG) to determine the number and value of credit symbols, presented in a designated order, within a gaming system, which includes dynamic data structures and lookup tables to manage award values and selection limits, ensuring computational efficiency and compliance with gaming regulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If credit symbols are randomly determined and presented in random order, then the game outcome is fully random and compliant with regulatory requirements, but player understanding of game outcomes is reduced and usability is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoidplayer understanding
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the credit award presentation into two distinct components: (1) the random determination of total credit amount via RNG to ensure regulatory compliance, and (2) the non-random sequential presentation of credit symbols in designated order (e.g., ascending or descending value) to enhance player understanding. This segmentation allows both random fairness and structured clarity to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary presentation layer between the random number generator and the player display. The RNG determines the total award amount randomly (maintaining compliance), but the intermediary system then breaks down this total into individual credit symbols and presents them in a designated sequential order (improving usability). This intermediary layer decouples the randomness requirement from the presentation clarity requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If credit symbols are sorted by value before presentation, then player understanding is enhanced, but computational resources are consumed by sorting operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayer understandingVSAvoidcomputational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining designated orders for credit symbol presentation (such as ascending or descending value sequences) before the game outcome is determined. When credits are awarded, the system directly assigns symbols according to these pre-established patterns without performing runtime sorting operations, thereby eliminating computational overhead while maintaining enhanced player understanding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of symbol presentation from random ordering to designated sequential ordering. By modifying how credit symbols are displayed (presenting them in predetermined orders such as lowest to highest value or vice versa), the system enhances player comprehension without requiring computationally intensive sorting algorithms, as the ordering pattern is determined in advance rather than calculated during gameplay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If innovative UI features and game mechanics are added to enhance player experience, then usability and player engagement are improved, but device complexity and regulatory compliance difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayer experienceVSAvoidgame mechanics complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the core regulatory requirement (random outcome determination) from the overall game system and isolates it to the RNG component. The innovative UI feature (continuous symbol sequence presentation in designated order) is then added as a separate presentation layer that does not interfere with the random determination process. This extraction allows complexity to be added to the UI without compromising regulatory compliance, as the random integrity remains isolated in the RNG module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal presentation framework that can accommodate various game types and credit award scenarios. The continuous symbol sequence mechanism with designated ordering is designed to work across different game contexts (slot games, bonus rounds, credit awards) without requiring game-specific customization. This multi-functional approach enhances player experience consistently across games while managing complexity through a standardized, reusable UI pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11869312B2Continuous symbol sequence mechanics for random based game outcomes
Publication Date: 2024.01.09 ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • US11869312B2 patent drawing
  • US11869312B2 patent drawing
  • US11869312B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A continuous symbol sequence supplemental game features is described. A gaming device randomly triggers, based on a random number generator, a continuous symbol sequence supplemental game feature. The gaming device randomly determines, based on the random number generator and triggering the continuous symbol sequence supplemental game feature, a number of credit symbols to add to a continuous symbol sequence. The gaming device randomly determine, based on the random number generator, the credit values for the credit symbols. The gaming device presents the continuous symbol sequence, wherein the credit values of the credit symbols in the continuous symbol sequence are arranged in a designated order.