Gaming System Partial Winning Combination Enhancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Casino games on gaming devices lack features that enhance player engagement and excitement, particularly in providing multiple chances of winning and increasing payout awards, as they rely heavily on random chance rather than skill.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that activates enhancement features during gameplay, such as mid-spin enhancements in slot games and partial card reveals in poker, based on a minimum winning combination criteria, which suspends the game temporarily and offers features like premium reels, free spins, or multiplier values, increasing anticipation and potential winnings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional casino games are implemented on gaming devices, then a wide variety of games can be provided with minimal supervision, but the games lack features that enhance player engagement and excitement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic game features including mid-spin enhancements in slot games where bonus features are activated during the spinning sequence, and progressive reveal mechanisms in poker games where cards are revealed in stages with potential enhancements. These dynamic elements transform static casino games into engaging experiences with multiple phases and unpredictable outcomes, directly addressing the lack of player engagement while maintaining game variety
2Device complexity
If games rely heavily on random chance, then they are simple to implement, but they lack multiple chances of winning and increased payout opportunities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the game outcome determination into multiple independent phases: initial random determination, mid-spin enhancement activation, remaining reel spinning, and final result calculation. This segmentation creates multiple winning opportunities within a single game round while maintaining implementation simplicity through modular code structure that handles each phase separately
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining outcomes for certain reels or cards before the game concludes, then uses these predetermined outcomes to trigger enhancement features. For example, determining that certain reels will land on winning symbols activates mid-spin bonuses, and predetermined card reveals trigger enhanced poker features, creating multiple winning chances without complicating the overall implementation
3Ease of operation
If all reels spin simultaneously, then the game is simple to operate, but it lacks suspense and anticipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reel spinning process into distinct temporal segments: first reels spin and stop, triggering mid-spin enhancements, then remaining reels continue spinning, and finally all reels complete their spin. This segmentation creates natural suspense intervals while maintaining ease of operation through automatic transition between phases without requiring player intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The game implements periodic action through staged reel stopping sequences where reels stop in groups rather than all at once or all at different times. This periodic stopping pattern creates rhythmic suspense intervals that build anticipation for the final outcome while keeping the operation simple through automated sequencing
4Ease of operation
If cards are revealed immediately in poker, then the game is straightforward, but it lacks suspenseful gameplay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the card revealing process into multiple stages: initial card deals, intermediate reveals that trigger enhanced features, and final card disclosures. This segmentation creates suspenseful intervals where players anticipate upcoming reveals while maintaining straightforward operation through automated reveal sequences that require no complex player decisions
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for employing techniques used in providing a mid-game enhancement feature(s) in response to a presented subset of virtual cards. Here, a gaming device may involve a video poker game having a first poker hand and a second poker hand, where each of the first poker hand and the second poker hand have a predetermined number of card positions. During play of the gaming device, cards are dealt to each of the card positions in the first poker hand, where it is determined if a minimum win criterion is met after each subset combination of cards is dealt. If a minimum win criterion is determined to be satisfied, the currently dealt subset of cards is copied from the first poker hand to the second poker hand and an enhancement feature is triggered. Thereafter, additional cards are individually dealt to the remaining card positions in the first poker hand and the second poker hand.