Gaming Device Persistent Award Category Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming systems struggle to persistently track and display award values for different categories of awards, randomly assign award values for each category, efficiently communicate these values during gameplay, and optimize data storage and computation resources.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a gaming device with a processor and memory that maintains separate persistent award totals for multiple categories of awards during feature game instances. This system randomly selects symbols using a random number generator, evaluates winning combinations, and updates award totals dynamically until the conclusion of the feature game.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If separate persistent award totals are maintained for multiple categories of awards, then tracking accuracy and information completeness are improved, but device complexity and data management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments award tracking into multiple distinct categories (e.g., base game awards, bonus game awards, progressive jackpots) with separate persistent totals for each category. This segmentation allows independent tracking of different award types without conflating their values, thereby improving information completeness while managing complexity through structured organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a categorical dimension to the award tracking system by organizing awards along multiple axes: award category type, game instance type, and persistence status. This dimensional organization enables comprehensive tracking information to be maintained in a structured manner that improves information retrieval without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If award values are randomized for each category, then gameplay variability and engagement are improved, but computational resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic randomization of award values within defined game cycles or feature instances rather than continuous randomization. Award values are randomized at the start of each feature game or bonus round, maintaining gameplay variability while limiting computational overhead to discrete periodic events rather than continuous operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary randomization of award values and assignment of category totals before game instances begin. By pre-determining award structures and randomizing values in advance, the system achieves high gameplay variability while reducing real-time computational requirements during actual game play.
3Loss of information
If award totals are updated dynamically during feature game instances, then information freshness and player engagement are improved, but processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous updating of persistent award totals throughout feature game instances, ensuring award information remains fresh and reflective of current game state. The system continuously accumulates awards in memory for each category without interruption, providing real-time information freshness while optimizing processing through efficient incremental updates rather than repeated full calculations.
4Measurement precision
If multiple persistent award categories are tracked and combined for final output, then award accuracy and player satisfaction are improved, but data storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments award data into distinct persistent categories stored in memory, with each category maintaining its own total independently. This segmentation enables precise tracking and accurate combination of awards from different sources (base games, bonus games, progressives) while organizing data efficiently to minimize redundant storage and optimize retrieval for final output calculation.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming device is programed to, based upon symbols displayed in a plurality of symbol positions for at least a first category of awards and a second category of awards, (i) add any first and second category awards to a first category total and a second category total, respectively; (ii) add a number of one or more first and second category symbols displayed to a first category symbol total and a second category symbol total, respectively; (iii) cause display of the number of the one or more first category symbols associated with the first category total, and the number of the one or more second category symbols associated with the second category total; and (iv) upon conclusion of feature game instances, output an award based on the first category total and the second category total modified based on the first category symbol total and the second category symbol total, respectively.