Dynamic Position Gaming Reel Activation Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming machines face limitations in offering novel and stimulating variations while adhering to regulatory restrictions, as they typically allow only a single special symbol to occupy adjacent positions on reels, limiting the potential for winning combinations and player engagement.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of dynamic position functionality, where at least one reel includes a run of identical symbols, and the use of an 'inner reel' look-up table to determine the symbol for these positions, increases the probability of winning combinations by allowing multiple consecutive symbols to appear on a reel, and the activation zone feature dynamically adjusts the number and type of symbols displayed based on game outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If only a single special symbol is allowed to occupy adjacent positions on reels, then regulatory compliance is maintained, but the probability of winning combinations and player engagement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic position functionality where the number of symbols displayed in activation zones changes based on game outcomes. The system transitions from static symbol displays to dynamic displays where multiple identical symbols can appear in adjacent positions during bonus games, while maintaining single-symbol adjacency in base games for regulatory compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of symbol quantity in activation zones based on game state. During bonus games triggered by scatter symbols, the activation zone displays a determined number of symbols (which can be multiple identical symbols), whereas in base games only single special symbols occupy adjacent positions, thus adjusting the winning probability parameter dynamically.
2Productivity
If multiple identical symbols are allowed in adjacent positions, then player engagement and winning probability increase, but regulatory restrictions may be violated
Solution Approach 1:
The reel display is segmented into different functional zones: base game areas where regulatory rules apply (single special symbol per adjacent position) and activation zones during bonus games where enhanced symbol displays are permitted. This segmentation allows the system to meet regulatory requirements in base games while providing exciting multiple-symbol displays in bonus modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts symbol display behavior based on game mode. In base games, only single special symbols occupy adjacent positions maintaining compliance. When bonus games are triggered by scatter symbol combinations, the system transitions to a state where multiple identical symbols can appear in activation zones, increasing excitement while maintaining regulatory compliance through conditional behavior.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of symbols in activation zones is fixed, then game rules are simple, but player engagement and winning opportunities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from scatter symbol detections to trigger bonus games and activate dynamic symbol displays in activation zones. The number of symbols displayed is determined based on the bonus game outcome, creating a feedback loop where game results influence subsequent display configurations, thereby increasing player engagement through adaptive game variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-positions scatter symbols and defines activation zones before bonus games begin. The look-up table is prepared in advance with determined numbers of symbols for each activation zone. When bonus games are triggered, the predetermined symbol configurations are rapidly displayed, allowing complex game variations to be executed smoothly without real-time computational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The game machine comprising a display device and a controller is provided. The display device is configured to display a game. The controller is configured to display a plurality of reels, the reels reach displaying a plurality of symbols. Each reel includes at least one activation zone with each activation zone have at least one symbol. The controller is configured to determine the number of symbols within the activation zone, randomly determine an outcome of the game, and display the outcome of the game including the activation zone. The activation zone includes a determined number of symbols.