Gaming Machine Column Jackpots Linked to Trigger Symbols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming machines lack a clear visual correlation between jackpot awards and the symbols that trigger them, making it difficult for players to understand the connection between their symbols and the awarded prizes.
Innovation Solution
A gaming machine that displays a jackpot amount above or near a column of symbols and awards the jackpot based on trigger symbols in that column, providing a visual correlation between the symbols and the prize.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional gaming machines display symbols and awards separately, then the game structure remains simple, but players cannot clearly understand the connection between trigger symbols and awarded prizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional change by displaying the jackpot amount in a vertical dimension above the column of symbols rather than horizontally adjacent to them. This vertical arrangement allows the jackpot information to be associated with the triggering symbols while maintaining a clear visual hierarchy and spatial relationship, thus resolving the contradiction between information clarity and display simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the jackpot amount display within or immediately above the column structure containing the symbols. This nested arrangement creates a hierarchical visual relationship where the jackpot award is contained within the same vertical space as the triggering symbols, making the connection between symbols and awards immediately apparent without requiring separate display areas.
2Ease of operation
If gaming machines use traditional award display methods, then the interface remains simple, but player understanding of jackpot triggers is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes color changes by displaying the jackpot amount in a distinct color or with color highlighting that differentiates it from the surrounding symbols and interface elements. This color differentiation draws the player's attention to the jackpot award and its relationship to the triggering symbols, enhancing player understanding without significantly complicating the visual display system.
Solution Approach 2:
By positioning the jackpot display in the vertical dimension above the symbol column rather than using traditional horizontal placement, the patent creates a more intuitive visual hierarchy that improves player understanding of which symbols triggered which awards, while maintaining interface simplicity through efficient use of vertical space.
Data Source
AI summary
During play of a feature game, a gaming machine holds each feature trigger symbol at its respective display position, and if a group of symbol display positions has spins remaining, spins/respins reels of the respective group to obtain replacement symbols for each non-feature trigger symbol in the group. For each of group of symbol display positions, the gaming machine determines, based on the symbols in the groups, whether to award a prize identified by a prize tab associated with the group. Aspects of the feature game may be implemented in a base or primary game.