Gaming System Path Intersection Award Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gaming systems fail to effectively determine awards based on the intersection of paths defined by directional symbols, leading to a lack of volatility and engagement in gaming experiences.

Innovation Solution

A gaming system that includes a processor and a memory device storing instructions to display directional symbol display positions adjacent to award display positions, where the system determines awards based on the intersection of paths defined by directional symbols, with the quantity of intersecting paths determining the award amount.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional gaming systems are used to determine awards, then the system operation is simple, but the player engagement and volatility are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayer engagementVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gaming system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a display module that shows directional symbols at multiple positions, a path determination module that traces paths from each symbol, an intersection detection module that identifies where paths cross, and an award assignment module that assigns awards based on intersection counts. This segmentation allows complex path intersection logic to be implemented without overwhelming system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from traditional linear or grid-based award determination to a multi-dimensional path intersection model. Directional symbols are placed at various positions around a central award position, and paths extend in different directions (up, down, left, right, diagonally) to create intersecting trajectories. The award is determined by the number of path intersections at the central position, adding a spatial dimensionality that enhances player engagement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the award determination is based on simple symbol matching, then the system complexity is low, but the gaming experience lacks dynamics and reward variety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegaming experience dynamicsVSAvoidaward determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The award determination is made dynamic through the path intersection mechanism. Instead of static symbol matching, the system evaluates multiple directional paths that can intersect at the central award position in various combinations. The award amount dynamically adjusts based on the number of intersecting paths (e.g., 2 paths = small award, 3 paths = medium award, 4+ paths = large award), creating a dynamic and varied gaming experience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the determination parameter from simple symbol identity matching to path intersection count. This parameter change transforms the award determination process: instead of checking if symbols match a predetermined pattern, the system counts how many directional paths from surrounding positions intersect at the central position, creating more diverse and engaging award outcomes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250148866A1Determining awards based on intersecting paths
Publication Date: 2025.05.08 INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US20250148866A1 patent drawing
  • US20250148866A1 patent drawing
  • US20250148866A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Gaming systems and methods that determine one or more awards based on the intersection of paths defined by two or more directional symbols.