Dynamic Progressive Jackpot Incrementing in Wagering Games

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing progressive wagering games lack features that enhance player excitement and loyalty, as the probability of winning a progressive jackpot remains fixed, and the jackpot growth is not dynamically responsive to player interactions.

Innovation Solution

A gaming system that includes a base game and progressive jackpots with incrementing values, where the progressive jackpots are activated and incremented based on base-game outcomes, and awards are given when the progressive value meets or exceeds a trigger value, providing dynamic jackpot growth and varying player engagement opportunities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the progressive jackpot probability is fixed, then the game rules are simple, but player excitement and engagement are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic jackpot probabilityVSAvoidgame rule complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic probability adjustment where the chance of winning a progressive jackpot changes based on the current jackpot size. As the jackpot grows, the probability of winning increases, creating a dynamic system that adapts to game state rather than using a fixed probability. This resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable while maintaining relatively simple implementation through programmed probability tables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the probability parameter based on the progressive jackpot amount. Different jackpot thresholds correspond to different winning probabilities, allowing the game to adapt its behavior to current conditions. This parameter change approach enables dynamic engagement without requiring complex structural modifications to the game system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If the progressive jackpot grows without restriction, then the jackpot can reach high values, but the game lacks player engagement mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejackpot amountVSAvoidplayer engagement
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic engagement opportunities through feature games that are triggered at specific jackpot thresholds. These feature games provide periodic player engagement moments during the progressive buildup, creating a rhythm of anticipation and reward. The system alternates between jackpot accumulation and feature game activation, maintaining player interest throughout the progression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback to players about their proximity to triggering feature games and potential jackpots. By informing players of their status relative to engagement thresholds, the system creates a feedback loop that maintains engagement. Players receive information about their progress, which motivates continued play while the jackpot grows to substantial values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If there is a single progressive jackpot, then the game structure is simple, but player excitement and loyalty are not maximized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogressive jackpot varietyVSAvoidgame structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the progressive jackpot system into multiple distinct jackpots with different characteristics, trigger conditions, and growth rates. This segmentation allows players to pursue different jackpot targets, each with its own engagement features. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing variety and adaptability while maintaining manageable game structure through modular jackpot design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements multiple progressive jackpots that can function independently or in combination, providing universal engagement mechanisms. Each jackpot serves multiple functions: building anticipation, providing engagement features, and offering varied winning opportunities. This multi-functionality approach enables the system to handle diverse player preferences without requiring entirely separate game structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If the jackpot is awarded immediately upon reaching a threshold, then player satisfaction is high, but the progressive growth potential is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaward certaintyVSAvoidjackpot size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares multiple engagement opportunities and feature games in advance at different jackpot thresholds. As the jackpot grows, players encounter predetermined feature opportunities that are ready to activate. This preliminary preparation allows the system to maintain high award certainty through structured features while enabling the jackpot to grow to larger values before final award, resolving the contradiction between immediate satisfaction and growth potential.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9741209B2Systems, methods, and devices for playing progressive wagering games with award-based incrementing features
Publication Date: 2017.08.22 LNW GAMING INC
  • US9741209B2 patent drawing
  • US9741209B2 patent drawing
  • US9741209B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for executing a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming system for conducting a wagering game is disclosed, which includes an input device for receiving wagers, a display for displaying the wagering game, and a controller. The controller is configured to: determine whether one or more progressive jackpots are active, each jackpot having a respective progressive value and a respective trigger value; randomly determine an outcome of the base game; determine if the base-game outcome has an award associated therewith; if one or more progressive jackpots are active and the base-game outcome has an award associated therewith, provide the award to the player and increment the progressive value for each active jackpot by at least the base-game award; and, if the incremented value of an active progressive jackpot is equal to or greater than its respective trigger value, award the incremented value to the player.