Gaming Machine Special Event Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming machines often apply special events at predictable times, leading to player fatigue and lack of surprise, as the timing of these events is not effectively managed based on the award outcome.
Innovation Solution
A gaming machine that determines the timing of special events based on the award acquired, allowing for unpredictable application either before or after the reel spin, ensuring the event is applied at a time that maintains player engagement and surprise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If special events are applied at fixed intervals or predetermined timing, then the frequency of special events can be secured, but the player can easily expect the timing and becomes tired of the games
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the special event timing variable and unpredictable. Instead of fixed intervals, the system randomly determines whether to apply a special event at each game opportunity, with the determination timing itself being variable (before reel stop, after reel stop, or not at all). This creates dynamic, unpredictable timing that maintains player engagement while preserving event frequency through probabilistic control.
2Ease of operation
If special events are applied before reel spin stop, then the player can have expectations for game results, but high dividends may cause excessive expectations and subsequent disappointment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the timing parameter based on the dividend amount. When dividends are low, the system applies special events before reel stop to maintain player expectations. When dividends are high, the system applies special events after reel stop to avoid excessive expectations. This parameter-based conditional logic resolves the contradiction by adapting timing to the specific game outcome parameters.
3Ease of manufacture
If special events are applied after reel spin stop, then high dividends can be provided with player recognition of symbol arrangement, but the timing becomes predictable and uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the timing dynamic and conditional rather than uniformly fixed. The system randomly determines both whether to apply a special event and when to apply it (before or after stop), creating variable timing that prevents predictability. This dynamic approach maintains player surprise while still allowing post-stop application when appropriate for high-dividend scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine providing a game that spins a plurality of reels with each reel including a plurality of symbols and thereafter stops the reels, determines a win based on arrangement of the symbols after stop, and provides an award in accordance with a win result. The gaming machine includes a display unit configured to display the game, and a controller configured to determine contents of the game to be displayed on the display unit. The controller determines application of a special event when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and determines a timing to apply the special event based on an award acquired by application of the special event.