Gaming Machine Variable Eligibility Award Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
The gaming machine industry faces a need for alternative award mechanisms that comply with regulations and attract customers, as existing mechanisms like progressive jackpots are limited and lack variety.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a random selection process to choose eligibility criteria for award triggers, which are monitored during gameplay, and upon occurrence, the award is given, with the option to change criteria based on events such as time or player activity, allowing for varied and dynamic award opportunities across linked or standalone machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mystery progressive jackpot mechanism is used, then the award mechanism provides excitement and potential large wins, but the mechanism lacks variety and becomes repetitive over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the award trigger events changeable over time. The system transitions from static trigger conditions to dynamic ones where eligibility criteria can be modified based on game play activity, time, or random selection. This allows the same gaming machine to offer different award mechanisms at different times, providing variety without requiring multiple separate machines or systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the trigger conditions for awards to be modified. Specifically, the eligibility criteria for award trigger events can change based on various factors including random selection, time elapsed, or game play activity. This enables the system to offer different types of awards (instant awards, progressive jackpots, feature game awards) by changing the parameters of the trigger events rather than using fixed mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed trigger amounts are used for progressive jackpots, then the award mechanism is simple to implement, but the mechanism lacks flexibility and player engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static trigger amounts to dynamic trigger conditions. Instead of fixed thresholds, the award triggers become adaptable based on game play activity, time, and random selection. This allows the operator to modify trigger conditions to maintain player engagement while keeping the underlying implementation based on standard progressive jackpot logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining multiple eligibility criteria that can be randomly selected or activated based on game play activity. This allows the system to have multiple award pathways prepared in advance, and the appropriate one is activated based on current game conditions, providing flexibility without requiring complex real-time decision-making logic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple award mechanisms are implemented to provide variety, then player attraction and engagement improve, but the system complexity and regulatory compliance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single gaming machine system that can perform multiple award functions. Instead of requiring separate machines for different award types, the system can switch between instant awards, progressive jackpots, and feature game awards by changing the active eligibility criteria. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified control structure that manages different award types within one machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamics to provide game variety through changing award triggers rather than through multiple static game configurations. The eligibility criteria for awards can be modified based on random selection, time, or game play activity, allowing the same game to offer different award opportunities over time. This reduces system complexity compared to implementing multiple separate game variants.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of awarding an award on a gaming machine is set forth. The method includes selecting an eligibility criterion or eligibility criteria from a plurality of possible eligibility criteria. The selected criterion is deemed to be an active award trigger event. Game play activity on the gaming machine is then monitored for occurrence of this trigger event. When the active award trigger event occurs, the award is awarded. Following award of the award, or following the occurrence of another event, the selected eligibility criterion are rendered inactive award trigger event, and another eligibility criterion is selected as the active award trigger event.