Dynamic Symbol Position Adjustment in Gaming Reel Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic gaming machines lack dynamic adjustment of symbol positions during gameplay, which can lead to unbalanced betting strategies and reduced player engagement, as the number of active symbol positions remains constant throughout a game session.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where the number of symbol positions changes based on prior game outcomes, using overlay reel strips with designated symbols to modify the symbol position state, allowing for additional positions to be activated in subsequent games, thereby influencing betting strategies and player interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of symbol positions remains constant throughout a game session, then the game structure is simple and easy to understand, but player engagement decreases and betting strategies become unbalanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic symbol positions where the number of active positions changes during gameplay based on prior outcomes. Overlay reel strips are introduced that can add or remove symbol positions from the base reel strips, transforming a static game structure into a dynamic one that adapts to player progress and betting strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
The reel structure is segmented into base reel strips and overlay reel strips. The base reels provide the fundamental symbol positions, while overlay reels can be activated to add additional symbol positions or deactivated to remove them. This segmentation allows the game to maintain a simple core structure while enabling complex dynamic modifications.
2Productivity
If overlay reel strips with designated symbols are used to modify symbol positions, then player engagement and winning opportunities increase, but the device complexity and game rules become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Overlay reel strips act as intermediaries between the base reel structure and the final symbol display. These overlay reels contain designated symbols that, when selected, trigger modifications to the active symbol positions. The overlay reels mediate the transformation from a fixed reel structure to a dynamically adjustable one, adding functionality without completely redesigning the base system.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the symbol position state changes based on prior game outcomes, then betting strategies can adapt and player interest is maintained, but the game requires more complex state management and tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback loops where prior game outcomes influence future symbol position configurations. When specific symbols are selected in earlier games, the symbol position state is updated, which then affects the available positions and winning opportunities in subsequent games. This feedback mechanism maintains player engagement by creating a connected narrative across multiple game instances while systematically managing state changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming device comprises a display, a processor, and a memory storing (a) a current symbol position state defining, for each of a plurality of columns of symbol positions, a number of symbol positions for which symbols are to be selected; (b) a pay table; and (c) instructions. The instructions cause the processor to control the display to display a plurality of columns of symbol positions corresponding to the current symbol position state, select symbols for the displayed symbol positions by selecting stopping positions of a plurality of reel strips, wherein at least one of the reel strips comprises at least one designated symbol, evaluate the symbols for winning combinations based on the pay table, and responsive to the selected symbols of a column including a designated symbol, modify the symbol position state for the respective column to include at least one additional symbol position for a next symbol selection.