Dynamic Symbol Array Expansion in Electronic Gaming Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic gaming machines lack the ability to dynamically adjust the number of symbol positions based on designated symbols, limiting player engagement and potential winnings.
Innovation Solution
An electronic gaming machine and method that dynamically adds new rows of symbol positions to the initial array in response to the occurrence of designated symbols, allowing for expanded gameplay and increased winning opportunities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the array of symbol positions is fixed in existing electronic gaming machines, then the game structure is simple and easy to operate, but player engagement and potential winnings are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic array structure where the number of rows is not fixed but can change during gameplay. The processor dynamically adds or removes rows based on game events, symbol matches, or bonus triggers, transforming the static grid into an adaptable playing field that responds to player actions and game outcomes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the traditional 2D grid by introducing a dynamic dimension through variable row counts. Instead of a fixed N×M array, the system creates an N×M array where N (number of rows) can change, adding a temporal dimension to the spatial structure and enabling expanded winning pathways.
2Productivity
If new rows are added dynamically in response to designated symbols, then player engagement and winning opportunities increase, but the complexity of evaluating symbols and determining outcomes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes evaluation rules and criteria before gameplay begins. When rows are added dynamically, the processor applies pre-programmed logic to evaluate symbols across the expanded array, determining outcomes based on predetermined patterns rather than creating new evaluation complexities during gameplay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the symbol evaluation process into manageable segments, evaluating each row or column independently before combining results. This modular approach to evaluation allows the system to handle dynamic row additions by processing the new rows through the same segmented evaluation framework, maintaining efficiency despite increased complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of symbol positions varies during gameplay, then gameplay becomes more engaging and rewarding, but ensuring fairness and randomness in regulated environments becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates continuous feedback loops where the processor monitors each dynamic change to the array structure, validates that randomness requirements are met, and adjusts subsequent gameplay parameters accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that even as the array changes, the game maintains fairness through ongoing verification against regulatory standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal random number generator and evaluation framework that functions consistently regardless of array size or configuration. The same core algorithms that ensure fairness in a fixed grid also govern the dynamic expansion and contraction of rows, maintaining reliability across varying game states through a single, proven system.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic gaming machine includes a display device, a processor, and a memory storing instructions which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the display device to display an initial array of symbol positions, where the initial array of symbol positions include a plurality of rows of symbol positions. The instructions also cause the processor to populate each symbol position with a first plurality of symbols, and evaluate the first plurality of symbols to determine whether to provide a first game award. The instructions also cause the processor to add a new row of symbol positions to the initial array of symbol positions, and populate each symbol position of the new row of symbol positions with a second plurality of symbols.