Dynamic Symbol Modification in Electronic Gaming Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional spinning-reel type gaming systems lack variety, which can lead to decreased player enjoyment and engagement over time.

Innovation Solution

An electronic gaming method and system that selects and modifies symbols displayed on a designated area of a display, applying characteristics such as substitute or multiplier functions to enhance gameplay and award determination, with a WILD symbol being a key modification condition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional spinning-reel type gaming systems are used, then the game structure is simple and easy to operate, but player engagement and enjoyment decrease over time due to lack of variety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegame varietyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the symbol characteristics changeable and adjustable during game play. The system can dynamically modify symbol properties (such as substitutability, multiplier values, or wild card status) based on game state, player actions, or random triggers, transforming a static gaming system into a dynamic one that adapts throughout the game session to maintain player engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the characteristics of symbols displayed on the gaming machine. Different symbols can be assigned varying properties such as substitute functions, multiplier functions, or wild card status, and these parameters can be changed during game play to create varied gameplay experiences and different award opportunities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If symbols are modified with multiple characteristics, then player engagement increases, but the complexity of determining awards increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesymbol modification flexibilityVSAvoidaward determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the symbol modification system into distinct functional components. Different symbol characteristics (substitute function, multiplier function, wild card status) are treated as separate modifiable elements that can be independently applied and evaluated. This segmentation allows the award determination system to process each modification type systematically rather than dealing with a monolithic complex set of rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining the possible symbol characteristics and their associated award conditions before game play begins. The system establishes the framework for modifications (such as which symbols can be modified, what characteristics are available, and the general award determination logic) in advance, so that during actual play, the award determination process follows predetermined evaluation paths rather than requiring real-time complex analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9022849B2Method of gaming, a gaming system, and a game controller
Publication Date: 2015.05.05 ARISTOCRAT TECH AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
  • US9022849B2 patent drawing
  • US9022849B2 patent drawing
  • US9022849B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is disclosed a method of gaming. The method comprises selecting a plurality of symbols for display on a display at a plurality of display positions, modifying the displayed symbols by applying a symbol characteristic to at least one of the symbols displayed within a designated area on the display, the designated area encompassing a subset of the plurality of display positions, and determining whether or not to make an award based on the plurality of symbols as modified.