Dynamic Reel Configuration for Gaming Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current gaming machines with a fixed number of reels may not adequately maintain or increase player enjoyment, as they lack variability in gameplay experiences.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that dynamically adjust the number of reels during game rounds in response to trigger events, allowing for fewer reels in subsequent rounds, which can vary and change throughout the game, using a game controller to manage and evaluate symbols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed number of reels is used in gaming machines, then the system structure is simple and reliable, but player enjoyment and engagement decrease due to lack of variability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegameplay variabilityVSAvoidreel configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the reel configuration changeable during gameplay. The system transitions from a static fixed reel setup to a dynamic configuration where the number of reels can be adjusted between game rounds based on trigger events, thereby introducing variability while managing complexity through controlled transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the number of reels as a variable parameter during gameplay. The reel count changes from an initial value to different values in subsequent game rounds, creating varied gameplay experiences without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of reels is reduced in second game rounds, then player engagement increases through variability, but the game controller complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegame round variabilityVSAvoidgame controller complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The game controller implements dynamics by dynamically adjusting the reel configuration between game rounds. It transitions from a static control approach to one that adapts the number of reels based on trigger events, managing complexity through automated dynamic adjustments rather than manual configuration changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller manages parameter changes by systematically modifying the reel count parameter between game rounds. It handles the complexity of parameter transitions through structured control logic that responds to trigger events, allowing gameplay variability while maintaining controlled system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If reels are removed or substituted during gameplay, then gameplay variety increases, but system reliability may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereel configuration flexibilityVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies dynamics by implementing controlled dynamic changes to reel configurations. Rather than random or unpredictable modifications, the system uses structured dynamic adjustments triggered by specific game events, maintaining reliability through predictable transition patterns while achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system manages parameter changes through controlled transitions rather than abrupt modifications. By implementing systematic parameter changes based on trigger events and maintaining structured transition protocols, the system achieves reel configuration flexibility while preserving system stability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8469795B2Method of gaming and a gaming system
Publication Date: 2013.06.25 ARISTOCRAT TECH AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
  • US8469795B2 patent drawing
  • US8469795B2 patent drawing
  • US8469795B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of gaming comprising: conducting at least one first game round, each first game round comprising selecting symbols of a plurality of normal first reels for display and evaluating the selected symbols; and conducting at least one second game round in response to a trigger event occurring, each second game round comprising fewer reels than in each first game round and being conducted by selecting symbols of at least one second reel for display and evaluating the selected symbols.