Directional Symbol Evaluation in Gaming Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to increase player enjoyment and excitement in gaming machines by introducing new and different symbol evaluation features that diverge from traditional payline-based evaluations.
Innovation Solution
A gaming system that generates and evaluates directional symbols, allowing players to wager on starting symbol display positions, where directional symbols with input and output directions are analyzed to form sets, chains, or sequences, providing awards based on compatible directional symbol combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional predetermined payline evaluations are used, then the gaming system is simple to operate and understand, but player enjoyment and excitement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic symbol evaluation where the evaluation pattern is not fixed but changes based on the direction of the first symbol generated. The system dynamically determines the evaluation direction (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) based on the first symbol's orientation, creating an adaptive and exciting gameplay experience while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to symbol evaluation by incorporating directional orientation (up, down, left, right, diagonal) as a determining factor for evaluation patterns. This adds complexity to the evaluation criteria beyond traditional fixed paylines, enhancing player engagement through unpredictable multi-directional evaluation paths
2Adaptability or versatility
If directional symbol evaluation with multiple directions is implemented, then player excitement and enjoyment increase, but the complexity of symbol evaluation logic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the symbol evaluation process into distinct phases: first generating a starting symbol to determine evaluation direction, then evaluating subsequent symbols based on that direction. This segmentation breaks down the complex multi-directional evaluation logic into manageable sequential steps, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining player excitement
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by generating and evaluating the first symbol to determine the evaluation direction before proceeding with the rest of the symbol sequence. This preliminary determination simplifies the subsequent evaluation logic by establishing a fixed evaluation pattern for all remaining symbols, reducing the complexity of real-time decision-making
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic evaluation patterns based on first symbol direction are used, then gameplay becomes unpredictable and engaging, but the complexity of determining winning combinations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the first symbol's directional orientation to determine the evaluation pattern for subsequent symbols. This feedback mechanism creates unpredictability and engagement while simplifying the detection process, as the evaluation direction is clearly determined by the first symbol's explicit orientation rather than requiring complex analysis of multiple variables
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a gaming system which may randomly generate a plurality of directional symbols. Each directional symbol may have an input direction and an output direction. The gaming system may analyze the generated directional symbols to determine whether any formed sets, chains or sequences of compatible directional symbols are associated with any awards. More specifically, the gaming system may determine whether to form any sets of compatible directional symbols based on if one or more input directions of one or more of the generated directional symbols are compatible with one or more output directions of one or more of the generated directional symbols. The gaming system then may determine and may provide a player an award based on one or more of any formed sets of compatible directional symbols.