Dynamic Reel Configuration in Wagering Game Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The video gaming machine industry faces challenges in maintaining player interest and competitiveness due to regulated game numbers and short payback cycles, necessitating innovative features that enhance play value while maintaining familiarity.
Innovation Solution
A video gaming machine system that includes a wagering game with dynamically varying symbol positions, triggered conditions for adding or removing rows, and a varying win multiplier, allowing for a bonus game with randomly determined spin results and multiple prize award mechanisms, including scatter wins and dynamic grid sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional slot machine games with fixed reels and symbols are used, then the game structure is simple and familiar to players, but player interest decreases over time due to lack of innovation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reel configurations where the number of reels can change during gameplay. Bonus features can add or remove reels from the game grid, transforming the static slot machine structure into a dynamic system that adapts during play, thereby enhancing player interest without requiring complete structural overhaul
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the game by allowing reel configurations to evolve over time. The game transitions between different states (base game with fixed reels, bonus games with modified reel counts), adding a time-based layer of complexity that maintains familiarity while introducing innovation
2Productivity
If bonus features and dynamic reel configurations are added to enhance play value, then player engagement increases, but the game complexity and regulatory compliance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the game into distinct phases: base games with standard reel configurations and bonus games with modified configurations. This segmentation allows each phase to have optimized features independent of the other, managing overall complexity by creating modular, self-contained game segments with clear transition rules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key game parameters dynamically, specifically the number of active reels and symbol positions. During bonus features, parameters such as reel count, grid dimensions, and symbol distribution can be modified within predefined ranges, allowing play value enhancement through parameter variation rather than structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system is provided for conducting a wagering game. A spin result is determined, the spin result including a set of symbols positioned within a set of symbol positions. The symbol positions may be arranged in rows and columns or another arrangement. The spin results and associated symbol positions may be displayed on a viewable display area. A prize associated with the spin result may be awarded. The wagering game may include a first trigger condition, a second trigger condition and an end condition. If the spin result meets the first trigger condition, additional symbol positions may be added. If the spin result meets the second trigger condition, symbol positions may be removed. If the spin result meets the end condition, the wagering game ends. If the spin result does not meet the end condition, the wagering game continues by determining a next spin result.