Dynamic Bingo Game Controller with Accumulating Bonus Symbols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gaming machines lack incentives to retain player interest as the standard structure of game play and bonus prizes becomes familiar, leading to a decline in engagement.
Innovation Solution
A gaming machine with an electronic controller that enables selection of game symbols, random selection of bonus symbols, and accumulation of threshold symbols for bonus awards, offering varying game outcomes and increased entertainment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional gaming machines use standard game play structure and fixed bonus prizes, then the game operation is simple and reliable, but player interest declines as the structure becomes familiar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic game structures where the number of reels, rows, and paylines are not fixed but can change between base games and feature games. The electronic controller dynamically reconfigures the game array, allowing transition from a standard 5×3 array to different configurations, thereby providing variety while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The gaming machine is designed with multi-functional capability to operate both as a conventional slot machine with fixed structures and as a dynamic game with variable configurations. The electronic controller universally manages different game modes (base game and feature game), symbol sets, and payout structures, allowing the same device to provide diverse gaming experiences without requiring multiple specialized machines.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gaming machines offer fixed bonus prizes and feature games, then the operation is straightforward and reliable, but there is no incentive for players to continue playing once familiar with the game
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes key parameters of the bonus prize structure by linking jackpot awards to the accumulation of bonus symbols across multiple feature games rather than offering fixed bonuses. The jackpot threshold and award amounts are variable parameters that can be adjusted, providing incentive for continued play while the electronic controller automates the complex tracking and awarding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements preliminary action by requiring players to accumulate bonus symbols across feature games before triggering the jackpot award. This creates a progressive incentive structure where players must continue playing to reach the threshold, and the electronic controller预先 sets up the accumulation mechanism and automatically manages the progression toward the jackpot award.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the gaming machine provides unlimited game variations and bonus structures, then player engagement is maximized, but the operational complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic controller is programmed with self-service capability to automatically manage the complex game configurations, symbol matching, bonus symbol accumulation tracking, and jackpot award determination. The controller autonomously handles the variable game structures and prize calculations without requiring manual intervention, thereby providing game variations while maintaining ease of operation through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the electronic controller continuously monitors the accumulation of bonus symbols across feature games and automatically adjusts game states based on this information. The controller provides feedback to the player through display updates showing accumulation progress and automatically triggers jackpot awards when thresholds are met, simplifying operation through automated decision-making based on real-time game state feedback.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine comprises a display and an electronic controller for playing a bingo type or keno type game. The game also includes randomly displaying bonus symbols that may be accumulated or collected to obtain the award of a bonus prize, such as a progressive grand jackpot prize, when a threshold number of bonus symbols are collected.