Gaming Device Bonus Selection Escrow Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming machine systems limit secondary features to only winning outcomes, excluding losing players and reducing the frequency and effectiveness of these features in generating player interest and retention.
Innovation Solution
A gaming device and method that includes a bonus selection apparatus and a primary game display, where bonus award indicia are displayed and selected through a rotating two- or three-dimensional object or video display, allowing bonus selection events to occur independently of primary game outcomes, including losing outcomes, to provide frequent and inclusive access to secondary features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If secondary features are limited to only winning outcomes, then the trigger condition is simplified, but player participation and retention are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by allowing bonus selection events to occur on losing outcomes rather than only winning outcomes. This reversal increases player participation and retention while maintaining clear trigger conditions through the use of a separate bonus selection event mechanism that is independent of primary game outcome evaluation
2Productivity
If secondary features run only after winning outcomes, then the system remains simple, but the frequency and effectiveness of secondary features are minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gaming system into distinct components: primary game play, bonus selection events, and bonus award events. This segmentation allows bonus selection events to occur independently and frequently (including on losing outcomes) without complicating the core primary game system, thereby increasing secondary feature frequency while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bonus selection apparatus as an intermediary mechanism that bridges primary game outcomes and bonus awards. This intermediary allows the system to trigger bonus selection events frequently (including on losses) while keeping the main game system simple and unchanged
Data Source
AI summary
A method for conducting a game includes defining at least one bonus selection event and at least one bonus award event. Play of a game is monitored for the occurrence of a bonus selection event. In response to a bonus selection event, a bonus selection apparatus is controlled to select one or more bonus award indicia. The bonus award indicia are stored and displayed at a bonus award escrow display. In response to a bonus award event, a bonus award associated with a bonus award indicia stored and displayed at the bonus award escrow display is issued to the player.