Gaming Reel Alignment via Reference Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromechanical wager-based gaming machines with spinning reels face challenges in aligning reels quickly to display game outcomes without waiting for the normal stopping time, which can deter players and reduce revenue.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system where a reference reel is chosen to align subordinate reels by monitoring their positions and adjusting their speeds relative to the reference reel, allowing for simultaneous or sequential stopping based on player input, thereby accelerating the display of game outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If reels are allowed to spin naturally to a stop, then the game outcome is displayed accurately, but the time required to display the outcome increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-determines the final positions of all reels based on the game outcome before the reels begin spinning. During the spin, the controller continuously monitors reel positions and dynamically adjusts speeds to ensure reels will stop at the predetermined positions, rather than allowing natural deceleration to determine the outcome.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the actual positions of spinning reels and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the speed of each reel. This closed-loop control ensures that despite variations in spin speed or external factors, the reels will arrive at and stop at the predetermined final positions that display the correct game outcome.
2Productivity
If reel alignment is performed using traditional methods, then all reels can be stopped simultaneously, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the reel spinning function and the alignment control function into a single integrated controller. The same controller that initiates and monitors the spin also performs the dynamic speed adjustments for alignment, eliminating the need for separate alignment mechanisms or additional control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static reel control (fixed spin speeds and independent stopping) to dynamic control where the controller continuously adjusts reel speeds during the spin based on real-time position feedback. This dynamic adjustment enables simultaneous stopping without requiring complex mechanical alignment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical wager-based gaming machine includes a plurality of reels that are aligned as they are spun so that the reels can be rapidly stopped in response to a player's input. One reel is selected as a reference reel and other reels are brought into alignment using feedback from reel position sensors.