Gaming Machine Reel Group Segmentation for Dynamic Outcomes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gaming machines with multiple reels struggle to maintain player interest due to limited variation in symbol combinations and winning outcomes, leading to a standardized and unengaging gaming experience.
Innovation Solution
A gaming machine that displays a game with multiple reels in a grid, where each reel configuration is randomly selected from a set of predefined configurations, allowing for diverse symbol combinations and dynamic award structures, including the ability to switch between ordinary and re-drawing reels based on winning conditions, thereby increasing game variation and player engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional re-drawing method is used with entire reels, then standardized variation is achieved, but player interest is reduced due to lack of diversity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reel system into multiple independent reel groups (first reel group, second reel group, third reel group) that can be controlled separately. Each reel group can be stopped independently at different times, allowing for diverse re-drawing patterns and combinations rather than standardized entire reel rotations. This segmentation enables varied game outcomes while maintaining player engagement through unpredictable reel stopping sequences.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reel configurations are provided, then game variation is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control system that manages multiple reel groups with different configurations through a single integrated controller. The control unit can selectively stop any reel group at any time based on predetermined patterns, and the system automatically determines which reel groups to stop together to create various winning combinations. This multi-functional approach allows diverse game variations without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reels are stopped sequentially, then re-drawing variation is improved, but game duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-determining the stopping sequences and combinations of reel groups before the game actually plays out. The control unit has predetermined patterns for which reel groups to stop together, and these patterns are established in advance. This allows the system to create varied outcomes through pre-planned sequences while maintaining efficient gameplay duration, as the stopping patterns are predetermined rather than requiring extended real-time decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming device is described herein. The gaming device includes a display unit and a controller that is coupled to the display unit. The display unit is configured to display a game including a plurality of reels being displayed in a display grid. Each reel is adapted to display one of a plurality of symbols. The controller is configured to randomly determine an outcome of the game, select a reel configuration including a plurality of reel groups, determine, for each reel group, a single random symbol being displayed in each reel of the corresponding reel group in the determined outcome, spin and stop each reel of the corresponding reel groups to display the outcome including displaying the same symbols in each reel of the corresponding reel group during rotation, and provide an award to the player as a function of the determined outcome.