Gaming Device Feature Indicators Resolve Interface Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming devices lack an intuitive user interface that clearly indicates which game features are activated by different wagering options, leading to confusion among players.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating feature indicators into the user interface that light up when the corresponding feature is activated by a wagering option, allowing players to easily identify which features are enabled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wagering options with different feature subsets are provided, then game functionality and player choice are improved, but user interface complexity and player confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using illuminated feature indicators that light up in different colors or intensities to indicate which features are activated by different wagering options. This visual differentiation helps players quickly understand which features are available without reading complex text descriptions, thereby reducing interface complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feature indicators as intermediary elements between the wagering options and the game features. These indicators act as mediators that translate the complex relationship between wagering options and feature subsets into simple visual signals, allowing players to understand feature availability without directly processing the complexity of multiple wagering option configurations.
2Loss of information
If feature indicators are added to show activated features, then player understanding is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing feature indicators that serve multiple functions: they indicate which features are activated, provide visual feedback for different wagering options, and guide players to make informed decisions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate indicators for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving information clarity.
3Ease of operation
If feature indicators are positioned close to wagering option buttons, then ease of operation is improved, but device layout constraints and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the user interface into distinct functional zones: wagering option buttons in one area and corresponding feature indicators in adjacent areas. This spatial segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and manufactured, reducing layout constraints while maintaining the proximity needed for ease of operation. The segmented approach enables modular manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming device is provided that includes a plurality of game windows, each game window having an identical array of symbol positions displayed therein. Symbols are selected for each column of symbol positions, and the columns are then each evaluated to determine if the selected symbols for a column meet a predetermined criterion, e.g., all symbols for the column being the same. If the selected symbols for a column meet the criterion, and the selected symbols of the corresponding column in the other display window do not, the corresponding column may be caused to change its selected symbols to match those in the column that has the selected symbols that meet the criterion. If all of the columns have selected symbols that meet the criterion after such evaluations and potential selected symbol changes are performed, then an award may be provided.