Expanding Reel Array for Wagering Game Winning Combinations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming machines struggle to differentiate themselves in terms of entertainment value, leading to a lack of player attraction and profitability, as the perceived likelihood of winning is similar across competing terminals.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where a base array of symbol positions on gaming terminals can be expanded, either by adding additional positions or redistributing symbols, based on specific expansion symbols, to create an expanded array with more winning opportunities, enhancing player engagement and excitement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the base array of symbol positions is expanded to include additional symbol positions, then the number of potential winning combinations increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The symbol array dynamically changes from a base configuration to an expanded configuration based on game events. The array transitions from a static 3x3 grid to an expanded grid with additional symbol positions when expansion symbols are triggered, allowing the winning combinations to increase without permanently complicating the device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The symbol array is segmented into a base array and additional symbol positions that can be activated independently. When expansion symbols appear, they trigger the addition of specific symbol positions to the base array, allowing the system to increase winning opportunities while maintaining a manageable base structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If symbols are redistributed among symbol positions to create multi-symbol positions, then the entertainment value and player engagement increase, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring winning combinations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary processing layer that manages symbol redistribution and multi-symbol position creation. This intermediary mechanism handles the complexity of redistributing symbols and determining winning combinations, keeping the interface simple for players while enabling complex game mechanics behind the scenes
3Adaptability or versatility
If the base array of symbol positions is expanded based on expansion symbols, then the entertainment value increases, but the loss of time for game resolution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares and pre-defines the base array structure and all possible expansion configurations in advance. When expansion symbols are triggered, the system quickly transitions to the predetermined expanded configuration rather than dynamically calculating new arrangements, reducing the time penalty for enhanced entertainment value
Data Source
AI summary
A method for conducting a wagering game includes receiving a wager to play the wagering game. A base array of symbol positions arranged in a plurality of columns is displayed. A plurality of symbols is randomly distributed such that each of the symbol positions in the base array is associated with one or more of the symbols. An extent by which the base array of symbol positions is to be expanded is indicated by the symbols. The base array of symbol positions is expanded into an expanded array of symbol positions including at least one additional symbol position.