Dynamic Symbol Selection for Gaming Machine Reels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming machines with spinning reels lack randomness in symbol arrangements across columns, limiting the variety of winning combinations and player engagement, as symbols are predetermined relative to each other, restricting the types of games that can be offered while adhering to regulations.
Innovation Solution
A gaming machine with a display and game controller that randomly selects symbols from dynamic sets for each column, modifying the symbol set after each selection based on previous choices, ensuring independent symbol selection and preventing duplicate symbols in a column, allowing for varied winning combinations and player interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If symbols on spinning reels are arranged in a pre-arranged relationship, then the mechanical structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the symbol arrangement lacks randomness and limits game variety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the symbol selection mechanism into independent column-based units. Each column independently selects and displays symbols without being constrained by fixed reel structures, allowing different symbol sets and selection methods for each column. This segmentation enables greater game variety while keeping individual column mechanisms relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic symbol selection where the set of available symbols changes based on previous selections in the same column. The system dynamically adjusts which symbols can be selected next, creating randomness and adaptability in symbol arrangements without requiring complex mechanical reel structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If independent spinning reels are used for each symbol position, then complete randomness is achieved, but the number of required reels increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the randomness function from traditional spinning reels and implements it through a digital selection process. Instead of using physical reels for each symbol position, the system uses a controller that randomly selects symbols from defined sets, achieving complete randomness without the mechanical complexity of multiple independent reels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spinning reel system with an electronic/digital symbol selection system. The controller uses software-based random selection algorithms to choose symbols, eliminating the need for physical reels while achieving superior randomness and flexibility in symbol arrangement.
3Ease of manufacture
If the same set of symbols is used for all display positions, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but duplicate symbols appear in columns reducing game interest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing each column to have its own customized symbol set based on the selection history. While the overall system uses a manageable number of physical symbol assets, each column dynamically presents a unique subset of symbols, ensuring variety within columns without requiring entirely separate symbol sets for each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of symbol set composition dynamically during game play. The available symbols for each column are adjusted based on what has already been selected, modifying the symbol pool in real-time to prevent duplicates and maintain player interest while using a consistent base set of symbols.
4Adaptability or versatility
If more pay lines are introduced, then more winning combinations are possible, but the complexity of tracking and evaluating wins increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes predetermined symbol sets for each column before the selection process begins. By defining which symbols are available in each column in advance, the system simplifies the evaluation of winning combinations, as the controller only needs to check against these pre-defined sets rather than evaluating arbitrary symbol arrangements across multiple pay lines.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine includes a display and a game controller that provides a wagering game in which a plurality of symbol display positions are provided on the display. When a player stakes a wager on the outcome of the wagering game the game controller selects symbols for display sequentially. The set of symbols is dynamic, wherein at least two symbols from the symbol set are changed between at least certain symbol selections depending on a characteristic of a symbol selected in a previous selection. The display positions may be arranged in rows and columns.