Expandable Symbol Matrix for Variable Active Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming machines with fixed active lines lack variability in winning probability, leading to decreased player motivation due to unchanging game dynamics.
Innovation Solution
A gaming machine with a symbol display device and controller that allows for variable display areas and rearrangement of symbols, enabling the expansion of active lines by adding rows, thereby changing the number of active lines and affecting winning probability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of active lines is increased to provide more winning combinations, then the winning probability increases, but the device complexity increases due to expandable matrix requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The display frame is designed to be dynamically expandable, allowing the matrix to grow from a base configuration (e.g., 3x5) to an expanded configuration (e.g., 6x5) during gameplay. This dynamic structure enables the system to adjust the number of active lines and winning combinations based on game state, thereby increasing winning probability without permanently increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable display frame employs a nested structure where additional rows of blocks are integrated into the existing matrix framework. The base matrix serves as the core structure, and additional rows can be nested or attached to expand the playing area, allowing the system to increase active lines while reusing the existing structural framework.
2Quantity of substance
If the display frame is expanded to increase the number of visible symbols, then the number of active lines can be increased, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display frame is segmented into modular components: a base frame structure and additional expandable row modules. Each row consists of discrete blocks that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the frame. This segmentation allows for standardized production of components and simplifies the manufacturing process compared to creating a completely custom expanded display structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The base display frame structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the structural foundation for the matrix, supports the initial set of active lines, and serves as the mounting framework for additional expandable rows. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate structural components, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional rows are added to the matrix to increase active lines, then the winning probability varies, but the game rules complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion of the display frame follows a periodic or staged pattern tied to game events. For example, the matrix may expand after certain milestones are reached, or alternate between expanded and base states during different phases of gameplay. This periodic expansion pattern helps manage rules complexity by creating predictable, structured changes rather than continuous or random modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential expansion in advance by pre-defining the expandable structure and establishing the rules for when and how expansion occurs. The framework for handling expanded states is set up beforehand, including predefined active line configurations and payout structures, which reduces the cognitive load on players during actual expansion events.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a gaming machine capable of providing new gaming characteristics: the number of active lines is changeable to vary a winning probability. A slot machine controls a lower image display panel having a symbol display area in which some of symbols arranged in symbol arrays are respectively rearranged in display blocks in accordance with the game. The slot machine rearranges, on a one to one basis, the symbols in the display blocks arranged in a matrix of M columns by N rows. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the slot machine adds display blocks to the matrix in the symbol display area to form a matrix of M columns by N+α rows, and sets additional active lines in the expanded display frame, the number of the additional active lines being calculated by multiplying the number of the added rows α by a predetermined value.