Gaming Machine Multiplying Symbol Function Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slot machine free spin games fail to adequately excite players and provide a sense of anticipation for large payouts, leading to a lack of engagement and excitement.
Innovation Solution
A gaming machine with a reel display system that features a substantially-stationary symbol whose function changes when a related symbol passes by it, enhancing player expectation and excitement by offering various amplification functions such as increased free spins, multiplied payouts, or additional prizes, while controlling the reel rotation speed to prevent overwhelming function changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the rotating rate of the reel lines is high, then the symbol related to the substantially-stationary symbol passes by frequently, but the function of the substantially-stationary symbol changes too quickly for the player to understand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling the reel rotation speed to decrease as the symbol approaches the substantially-stationary symbol. This creates a decelerating motion pattern that allows the symbol to pass by at a manageable speed, ensuring the player can perceive and understand the function changes without being overwhelmed by excessive speed. The periodic deceleration and acceleration cycles maintain engagement while ensuring clarity of the multiplying function.
2Device complexity
If the free spin game is performed in a form just like a primary game, then the game structure is simple, but the game does not excite players enough and is insufficient as a bonus game
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing a multiplying symbol with changing functions that evolve during the free spin game. The multiplying symbol's function is not static but changes dynamically based on the number of times related symbols pass by it. This dynamic characteristic transforms the free spin game from a simple repetition of the primary game into an engaging bonus game with escalating excitement and anticipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the function of the substantially-stationary multiplying symbol based on the count of passing symbols. As related symbols pass by, the multiplying symbol's payout multiplication factor increases (e.g., from 2x to 4x to 8x). This parameter change mechanism maintains the simple game structure while creating exciting variations in potential rewards, thereby enhancing player engagement without complicating the overall game format.
3Loss of time
If the function of the substantially-stationary symbol changes multiple times in a short period, then the game progresses quickly, but the player has a hard time understanding how the function is changing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a deceleration mechanism when the symbol approaches the substantially-stationary symbol. This creates a natural pacing rhythm where the symbol slows down during critical moments (when function changes occur), allowing players to process information, then accelerates during transitional periods. This periodic speed variation optimizes both game progression speed and player comprehension by matching the tempo to the information processing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a gaming machine including a reel display, which is configured with a plurality of reel lines displaying a plurality of symbols arranged to rotate along the reel lines, a controller, which shows a substantially-stationary symbol on a reel line while the symbols are rotating along the reel line, an evaluator, which recognizes a pass of a symbol related to the substantially-stationary symbol by the substantially-stationary symbol on the reel line, and a processor, which changes a function of the substantially-stationary symbol when the evaluator detects the symbol related to the substantially-stationary symbol passing by the substantially-stationary symbol on the reel line.