Dynamic Game Feature Selection in Slot Gaming Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic gaming machines lack the ability to dynamically adjust game features and outcomes based on player input during gameplay, limiting the engagement and variability of slot games.

Innovation Solution

A gaming device with a control system that presents a graphical user interface (GUI) allowing players to select game features, which are then used to determine base game outcomes, including the removal of symbols and presentation of wild symbols, through a combination of user input and random number generator (RNG) calls applied to weighted tables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional random number generator (RNG) is used to determine game outcomes, then game fairness and regulatory compliance are ensured, but game variability and player engagement are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegame variabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic game features that allow players to adjust symbol removal probabilities, wild symbol frequencies, and bonus trigger rates during gameplay. The control system modifies game parameters in real-time based on player selections, transforming the static RNG-based system into a dynamic hybrid system that maintains fairness while increasing variability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary layer between the RNG and the game outcome display. This intermediary processes RNG results through additional logic layers that apply symbol removal rules, wild symbol insertions, and bonus feature triggers, allowing the system to maintain RNG-based fairness while adding complexity to the outcome determination process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If player input is allowed to select game features, then player engagement and interactivity are increased, but game outcome predictability and fairness control become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayer interactivityVSAvoidoutcome fairness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where player selections of game features are processed by the control system, which then adjusts subsequent game outcomes accordingly. The system provides real-time feedback to players about how their feature selections affect game parameters, maintaining transparency and perceived fairness while allowing player influence over game variability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows players to select game features that change specific parameters such as symbol removal probabilities, wild symbol frequencies, and bonus trigger rates. The control system maintains overall fairness by ensuring that parameter changes within a feature remain statistically balanced over time, allowing short-term variability while preserving long-term RTP (return to player) guarantees.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If symbols are removed from the game based on player selection, then winning combination frequency is increased, but game complexity and RNG application complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewinning frequencyVSAvoidRNG application complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies symbol removal as a preliminary action before the RNG determines the final game outcome. The control system removes specified symbols from the available symbol pool based on player-selected features, then the RNG operates on the reduced symbol set. This preliminary modification simplifies the RNG application by working with a smaller, pre-defined symbol universe rather than complex post-outcome modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11545001B2Active mystery feature
Publication Date: 2023.01.03 ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • US11545001B2 patent drawing
  • US11545001B2 patent drawing
  • US11545001B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Game features for at least a base slot game may be selectable according to player input. According to some examples, game features may be selectable without exiting from a graphical user interface used to present the slot game. A first GUI portion may be presented in a first area of a display system. The first GUI portion may include display symbols for presenting the slot game. A second GUI portion may be presented in a second area of the display system while the first GUI portion is being presented in the first area, e.g., while the slot game is being presented in the first area. The second GUI portion may include multiple game feature images. Each game feature image may correspond with a selectable game feature.