Gaming Machine Bonus Feature Using Virtual Reel Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming machines lack innovative features to enhance player engagement and reward mechanisms, relying on traditional mechanical or virtual reel systems that do not adequately provide flexible bonus credit awards.
Innovation Solution
A gaming machine with a game execution program that includes a primary game and a bonus feature game, utilizing virtual reel strips with credit prize symbols and a collect symbol, where stop positions are randomly selected, and bonus awards are dynamically adjusted based on player interactions, incorporating a bonus meter and event symbols to increase player interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical or virtual reel systems are used, then the gaming machine structure is simple and reliable, but player engagement and reward flexibility are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming system is segmented into distinct components: a primary game with traditional reels, a separate bonus feature game with its own reels and symbol sets, and a bonus meter tracking system. This segmentation allows each component to be independently configured and managed, enabling flexible bonus awards without overwhelming system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gaming machine integrates multiple functions into a unified system: the same display device shows both primary and bonus games, the credit system handles both wagering and bonus awards, and the control unit manages both game types. This multi-functionality provides bonus award flexibility while avoiding the need for separate dedicated hardware systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual reel strips with multiple symbols are implemented, then game outcomes become more varied and engaging, but the complexity of generating and managing reel configurations increases
Solution Approach 1:
Virtual reel strips are pre-configured with specific symbol arrangements, including designated positions for credit prize symbols and event trigger symbols. This preliminary configuration simplifies the runtime operation, as the system only needs to select and display pre-prepared reel configurations rather than dynamically generating complex symbol arrangements during gameplay.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses virtual copies of reel strips that can be generated and manipulated in memory without affecting physical components. Multiple virtual reel configurations can be created and switched between, providing game outcome variety while avoiding the mechanical complexity of multiple physical reel sets.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bonus features with event trigger symbols are added, then player engagement and retention improve, but the game execution complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a bonus meter that provides continuous feedback to the player about their progress toward bonus awards. This feedback mechanism automates the tracking of credit prize symbols and event trigger symbols, reducing the processing burden by maintaining running totals and automatically determining when bonus conditions are met.
Solution Approach 2:
The bonus feature system is designed to be self-managing: the bonus meter automatically tracks symbol appearances, the system autonomously determines when bonus triggers occur, and credit awards are automatically calculated and dispensed. This self-service approach reduces the need for complex centralized control logic while maintaining sophisticated bonus functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine is described herein. The gaming machine includes a control unit programmed to initiate an instance of a primary game and spin and stop virtual reel strips to display an outcome of the primary game. The control unit detects an appearance of a winning combination of game symbols in the outcome and provides an initial award based on the winning combination, and detects an appearance of the collect symbol and a credit prize symbol in the outcome, determines an amount of credits associated with the credit prize symbol, and a bonus award including the determined amount of credits.