Gaming Machine Reel Replacement for Winning Probability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming machines do not effectively increase the probability of achieving a winning outcome, leading to player frustration and decreased engagement, as bonus games do not provide a visual indication of improved winning chances.
Innovation Solution
A gaming device that displays a game with a bonus feature event where one or more reels are replaced with a replacement reel showing fewer symbols, increasing the probability of winning and enhancing player engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bonus games are added to increase winning probability, then player engagement should improve, but players remain frustrated because they do not see visual indication of improved winning chances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual indication methods such as color changes, lighting effects, or graphical transformations to clearly show players when their winning probability has increased during bonus games. This resolves the contradiction by making the improved winning chances perceptible to players, thereby maintaining player understanding and engagement while delivering the adapted bonus game features.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bonus games are provided, then game variety is improved, but the probability of achieving a winning outcome is not actually increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the bonus games to ensure they actually increase winning probability. This may involve modifying game mechanics, symbol distributions, or payout structures within the bonus features so that players have a mathematically higher chance of winning, while still maintaining game variety through different bonus game types and themes.
3Productivity
If players become frustrated with bonus games, then playtime decreases, but adding more traditional features does not entice longer play
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously inform players of their improved winning probability during bonus games through visual indicators, progress displays, or probability meters. This feedback loop maintains player satisfaction by making the increased winning chances tangible and understandable, thereby encouraging longer playtime despite the added complexity of bonus features.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming device for providing an award to a player is described. The gaming device includes a controller that is configured to display a game including a plurality of reels being displayed within a grid. Each of the plurality of reels includes a plurality of symbol positions that are each being displayed with a corresponding symbol. The controller randomly generates a first outcome and spins and stops the plurality of reels to display the first outcome. The controller also detects a triggering condition and responsively selects a reel and replaces the selected reel with a replacement reel. The replacement reel includes a number of symbol positions being displayed in the grid that is less than a number of symbol positions included with the selected reel. The controller randomly generates a second outcome, spins and stops the plurality of reels including the replacement reel.