Dynamic Bidding Mechanism for Linked Gaming Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming venue operators face challenges in attracting customers with new game variations while adhering to regulatory restrictions, leading to a need for innovative prize-awarding methods that are both entertaining and profitable.
Innovation Solution
A method for linked gaming machines that initiates a feature with a bidding sequence, where players can place bids unknown to them, and awards the highest bidder a feature award, with a hidden ceiling value generated by a random number generator, and secondary awards based on bid differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional prize-awarding methods are used in community games, then regulatory compliance is maintained, but player engagement and excitement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static prize-awarding mechanism into a dynamic bidding process where the endpoint is determined by a randomly generated hidden ceiling value. This dynamic element creates uncertainty and excitement for players, as they cannot predict when the bidding will end, thereby enhancing player engagement while maintaining regulatory compliance through controlled randomness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of bid endpoint from a fixed, predetermined value to a randomly generated hidden ceiling value. This parameter change introduces variability and unpredictability into the game, making each bidding sequence unique and more engaging for players, while the server maintains control over the randomness to ensure fair play and regulatory compliance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If unknown bidding endpoints with hidden ceiling values are implemented, then player excitement is enhanced, but game transparency and predictability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that generates and manages the hidden ceiling value. The server acts as a mediator between the players' bids and the predetermined endpoint, concealing the ceiling value from players to maintain excitement while ensuring fair and transparent operation from the operator's side. This intermediary structure allows the system to maintain both player excitement and operational integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If secondary awards based on bid differences are added, then player engagement is further enhanced, but game complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the award structure into multiple tiers: the primary award for the highest bidder and secondary awards for other players based on their bid differences from the ceiling value. This segmentation creates multiple opportunities for players to win, enhancing engagement while the server efficiently manages the calculations through automated processing of bid comparisons and difference computations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for use with a plurality of linked gaming machines, the plurality of linked gaming machines each having a game controller. The method comprises initiating a feature at the end of the play of a game on at least one of the plurality of gaming machines, enabling a bidding sequence during the feature, the bidding sequence ending at a time that is unknown to the players playing at the plurality of the linked gaming machines, enabling at least one of the players playing at the plurality of linked gaming machines to place at least one bid during the bidding sequence, and awarding a feature award to the player who places a highest bid during the bidding sequence.