Gaming Machine Jackpot Pool Funding and Award Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming machines lack innovative features to attract players and enhance gameplay experience, with existing systems failing to effectively integrate jackpot features and progressive awards in a way that enhances player engagement and revenue generation for manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A gaming machine and method that includes a processor-driven system allowing players to wager, randomly determine game outcomes, and award feature and jackpot prizes, with contributions to a jackpot pool from wagers and feature awards, triggering additional jackpots and progressive awards based on specific conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gaming machine provides simple basic gameplay with mechanical reels, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but player engagement and attraction are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gaming features including base game play, bonus game triggers, progressive jackpot accumulation, and random feature award mechanisms into a single integrated gaming machine system. The control unit merges these distinct functions into one cohesive device, allowing players to experience layered gameplay with increasing engagement while the system manages complexity internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The gaming machine is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a base game device and a progressive jackpot contributor. The same device can trigger bonus games, award feature prizes, accumulate jackpot amounts from multiple players, and dispense progressive awards, making it a universal gaming platform that enhances player engagement through diverse game modes.
2Productivity
If a gaming machine integrates progressive jackpot features and bonus games, then player engagement and revenue generation improve, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming machine automatically manages progressive jackpot accumulation by self-service mechanisms. The control unit autonomously calculates and accumulates jackpot amounts from qualifying wagers without external intervention, triggers bonus games based on predetermined criteria, and dispenses feature awards automatically. This self-service capability allows the system to handle complex revenue-generating features while minimizing the need for external management infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where player wagers contribute to the progressive jackpot pool, which is then displayed back to players as an incentive. When players trigger bonus games or feature awards, the system provides immediate feedback through visual displays and notifications, creating a responsive gaming experience that drives continued play and revenue generation while the control unit automatically manages the complex feedback mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a gaming machine offers multiple award types including feature awards and progressive jackpots, then player attraction and engagement increase, but the system complexity for managing awards and pools increases
Solution Approach 1:
The award system is segmented into distinct components: base game awards, bonus game triggers, feature awards with specific criteria, and progressive jackpot pools. Each segment operates with its own trigger conditions and payout structures, allowing the control unit to manage complexity by handling each award type independently rather than as a monolithic system. This segmentation enables gameplay variety while organizing system complexity into manageable discrete functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine provides a game and includes an operation unit, a display unit, a memory device and a game control unit. The operation unit receives an operation input. The display unit is configured to display a game screen including computer generated graphics. The memory device stores a game execution program including computer instructions for generating the game feature. The game control unit executes the game execution program to provide the game and is coupled to the operation unit, the display unit and the memory device. The game control unit includes a processor programmed to display a game structure on the game screen on the display unit. The game includes a feature award and a jackpot feature award. The jackpot feature award is awarded from a jackpot feature award pool. The jackpot feature award pool is funded through wagers and by when the feature award is awarded.