Gaming Device Play Matrix with Capture Positions for Symbol Awards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slot machines are limited in providing awards only for specific combinations of symbols as per a fixed pay table, leading to player boredom and the need for improved gameplay that offers cross-column numeric wins.
Innovation Solution
A gaming device with a play matrix that includes designated positions where specific symbol combinations, such as matching pairs or combinations with wild symbols, trigger additional award events, providing new and exciting gameplay mechanics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional slot machines use a fixed pay table for symbol combinations, then the award structure is simple and easy to understand, but the gameplay becomes boring and lacks variety
Solution Approach 1:
The play matrix is divided into multiple columns, each capable of independently displaying symbol combinations. This segmentation allows different columns to contribute to awards independently, creating more varied gameplay outcomes while maintaining a structured framework that is easy to understand.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a spatial dimension to award determination by evaluating symbol combinations across multiple columns simultaneously. Instead of a single linear pay line, the system considers cross-column patterns, adding a dimensional aspect to win evaluation that increases gameplay variety without requiring complex rule sets.
2Adaptability or versatility
If slot machines award only based on traditional pay lines, then the award mechanism is simple, but cross-column numeric wins are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
Each column in the play matrix serves multiple functions: it displays symbols for traditional pay line evaluation, contributes to cross-column pattern recognition, and can independently trigger additional award events. This multi-functionality allows the same structural element to support both simple and complex award mechanisms simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes multiple potential award paths and evaluation criteria within the play matrix structure. By having predetermined columns and positions that can contribute to various award types, the system prepares multiple win patterns in advance, allowing flexible award determination without requiring complex real-time evaluation logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A game comprising: a plurality of reels, each of the reels comprising a plurality of symbol positions; a plurality of symbols, at least one of the plurality of symbols located in at least one of the plurality of symbol positions; a visible matrix comprising a plurality of matrix positions; a plurality of matrix positions designated as capture positions; a set of program instructions executable to implement: accepting a wager; receiving an instruction to initiate play of the game; determining a game outcome including a stop position for each of the plurality of reels; displaying a portion of the reels based on each reel's stop position in the visible matrix; determining whether to issue an award based on the symbols in the capture positions; and issuing an award if the program instructions so designate.