Dynamic Symbol Modification in Gaming Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming systems lack innovative mechanisms to enhance player engagement and maintain enjoyment, as they rely on conventional symbol combinations and modifications that do not sufficiently vary or offer exciting new features.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically modify symbols in a gaming system by applying designated modifications to columns of symbols, using a symbol combination hierarchy to identify the most advantageous column for modification, which includes changing display elements to an active state and applying modifications such as replacing symbols with wild symbols, thereby increasing the chances of winning combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional symbol combinations are used in gaming systems, then the system structure remains simple, but player engagement and enjoyment decrease over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic symbol modification where symbols on reels can be dynamically changed during gameplay based on random selection and modification criteria. This allows the game to adapt and vary its mechanics during play, enhancing player engagement without requiring a completely different game structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining modification criteria and symbol modification rules before gameplay begins. The random number generator and modification criteria are established in advance, allowing the system to maintain simplicity while enabling complex dynamic behavior during play
2Reliability
If symbol modifications are applied to increase winning combinations, then the likelihood of awards increases, but the game complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies symbol modifications locally to specific reels or symbol positions rather than uniformly across the entire game. The random number generator selects specific reels for modification, and modifications are applied only to chosen symbols, allowing increased award likelihood without requiring complete game restructuring
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters of existing symbols through modification criteria that alter symbol properties or replacement values based on random selection. This allows the game to increase winning probability by changing symbol parameters dynamically rather than adding entirely new game mechanics
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple display modification elements are used to indicate active columns, then player interest is maintained, but the display complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display into multiple independent display modification elements, each associated with specific reels or symbol positions. This segmentation allows the system to activate only relevant portions of the display based on game state, maintaining player interest through targeted visual feedback without requiring the entire display to be complex
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming system. A symbol selector selects a plurality of symbols for display at display positions. A symbol hierarchy evaluator evaluates the selected symbols to identify a column corresponding to a highest winning symbol combination to be applied to one of the columns. A column selector selects a column to apply the designated modification. A display modification element selector selects a designated number of display modification elements to be in a subset of the plurality of display elements changed to an active state. A modification applier applies the designated modification to the selected column subsequent to changing the subset of display modification elements to an active state. A symbol evaluator evaluates the symbols displayed at the display positions subsequent to the modification being applied to determine whether to make one or more awards.