Gaming Device Notable Symbol Indication During Reel Spin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Players in slot machines face difficulties in detecting special symbols due to the speed of spinning reels and are overwhelmed by excessive sounds when symbols pass paylines, leading to a less informative and frustrating gaming experience.
Innovation Solution
The gaming device provides distinct audible and graphical indications for notable symbols like wild or bonus symbols while the reels are spinning and after they stop, allowing players to easily identify these symbols within the symbol display region, independent of paylines or game outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the reel spins at high speed to increase game excitement and speed, then the gaming action is more dynamic, but the player cannot detect special symbols in time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary indication mechanism (visual highlights, audio cues, or display effects) that acts as a mediator between the fast-spinning reel and the player's detection capability. This intermediary system translates the occurrence of special symbols into detectable signals that persist or are emphasized during the spin, allowing players to perceive special symbols even when the reel moves quickly.
2Loss of information
If multiple sounds are played when symbols pass paylines to provide feedback, then the player receives more information, but the player becomes overwhelmed by excessive sounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different types of feedback for different symbol types. Instead of using uniform sound effects for all symbols, the system uses distinct audio cues for special symbols versus regular symbols, and potentially different cues for different special symbols (e.g., wild symbols vs. bonus symbols). This localized differentiation helps players identify specific symbol types without being overwhelmed by a uniform barrage of sounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback system is segmented into different channels or types of indication. The patent divides the feedback into visual indications (on-screen highlights, animations), auditory indications (distinct sound cues), and potentially haptic feedback. This segmentation allows players to process information through multiple modalities, making it easier to distinguish and identify special symbols without sensory overload.
3Loss of information
If the indication continues as the notable symbol moves through the display region, then the player has continuous information, but the indication occupies attention and resources throughout the spin
Solution Approach 1:
The indication system employs periodic or intermittent highlighting rather than continuous indication. The patent implements indication that activates when the notable symbol enters the display region, maintains highlight during critical viewing periods, and may pulse or diminish as the symbol moves through the display. This periodic action pattern provides necessary information while reducing unnecessary attention occupation during less critical moments of the spin.
Data Source
AI summary
The gaming device and method disclosed herein produces an indication of an appearance of a notable or designated symbol in a symbol display region while at least one reel is spinning. The indication continues while the notable symbol appears in the symbol display region and while the at least one reel is spinning. Different indications are produced for the different notable symbols when appearing in the symbol display region while the at least one reel is spinning.