Gaming Device Random Feature Application for Slot Machine Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slot machines lack additional features that enhance player engagement, leading to reduced revenue due to uninteresting gameplay.
Innovation Solution
A gaming device that introduces a trigger event, such as a special symbol on the middle reel, to initiate a randomly selected feature among a set of options, including multiplying symbols, placing symbols randomly, changing predetermined symbols, or filling reels with a specific symbol, which enhances gameplay and awards based on new symbol combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional slot machine operation is used (display symbols and grant award), then the game structure is simple, but player engagement is reduced leading to lower revenue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the game structure adaptable and changeable through randomly selected features. The base game can dynamically transition to feature games with different rules and symbol modifications, creating a dynamic gameplay experience that maintains player engagement while managing complexity through structured randomness
Solution Approach 2:
The gaming device implements multi-functionality by incorporating multiple game modes (base game and various feature games) within a single system. The same symbol array can be evaluated under different rulesets depending on which feature is triggered, allowing one device to provide diverse gaming experiences without requiring separate physical machines
2Productivity
If additional features are added to enhance player engagement, then player engagement and revenue increase, but the game complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gaming experience into distinct phases: base game evaluation and feature game evaluation. The processor separates the evaluation of symbol combinations into different functional blocks corresponding to different features, allowing complex gameplay to be managed through modular, segmented processing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining multiple feature options with specific rules and outcomes before gameplay begins. When a trigger symbol appears, the system has already prepared the framework for various feature games, allowing rapid transition without real-time complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple features are randomly selected and applied to symbols, then award opportunities increase, but the rules evaluation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying symbol properties (such as changing symbols to wild symbols or multiplying symbol values) rather than changing the fundamental evaluation rules. This allows multiple features to be applied to the same symbol array using the same basic evaluation logic, reducing rules complexity while increasing award opportunities
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a game played on a gaming device that displays a randomly selected array of symbols, where the symbols across one or more paylines are evaluated by circuitry to determine an award to be granted. A trigger event, such as the occurrence of a special symbol (e.g., a $ symbol), initiates a special feature. Once the trigger event occurs, one of a plurality of features is randomly selected and applied to the symbols in the existing array of symbols, and an award is then granted based on the results. An example of the group of available features is: 1) multiply the number of $ symbols in the array by X credits; 2) randomly place a $ symbol on reels 1, 2, 4, and 5; 3) change certain predetermined symbols to the $ symbol; and 4) fill two, three, or four reels (randomly selected) with the $ symbol.