Gaming Machine Shuffle Feature and Simultaneous Multiple Award Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming machines lack features that allow players to positively affect award outcomes and win simultaneous multiple awards, with existing shuffle and bonus games often featuring fixed value symbols and single award structures.
Innovation Solution
The gaming machine incorporates a shuffle feature that allows players to increase the value of symbols before rearranging them for an award and a simultaneous multiple award feature that enables players to win multiple awards by matching game-theme icons and a wild icon, without a 'pooper' tile ending the game.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing shuffle features use fixed value symbols, then the game structure is simple, but players cannot positively affect award outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static fixed-value symbols into dynamic symbols whose values can change based on player selections. During the bonus game, players can select symbols to reveal values, and the system dynamically adjusts which symbols are visible and their values, allowing players to influence the final award outcome while maintaining game structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-configuring symbol values and arrangements before the bonus game concludes. The system prepares multiple symbol states and arrangements in advance, then reveals them systematically during player interactions, allowing players to make informed selections that affect the final award
2Quantity of substance
If existing bonus games feature single award structures, then the game rules are simple, but players cannot win simultaneous multiple awards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the award structure into multiple independent award components, each associated with different symbol matches. Instead of a single award determined by one symbol combination, the system evaluates multiple symbol groups simultaneously, allowing players to win multiple awards from a single bonus game trigger
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional symbol system where symbols serve multiple purposes: they form part of the initial trigger combination, become part of the shuffled array, and can form additional match combinations for multiple awards. The same symbol set enables both the shuffle feature and multiple award determination
3Ease of operation
If shuffle features use random arrays only, then the game is easy to operate, but players lack strategic control over symbol values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where player selections during the bonus game provide information about symbol values and positions. The system responds to player choices by revealing symbol values, adjusting which symbols are visible, and updating potential award information, allowing players to make strategic decisions based on revealed information
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a gaming machine having a shuffle feature and a simultaneous multiple award feature. The method for conducting the shuffle feature includes displaying a plurality of value-based symbols in a random array where each of the plurality of value-based symbols displays a number indicating a value, increasing the displayed number of one of the plurality of value-based symbols in response to a player selection, rearranging the plurality of value-based symbols in view of the random array such that the rearranged plurality defines an award and awarding the award to the player. The method for conducting the simultaneous multiple award feature includes displaying an assemblage of selectable tiles that conceal an associated plurality of icons, receiving successive player selections of the tiles, selectively revealing a first group and a second group of related game-theme icons, selectively revealing a wild icon and simultaneously awarding a first and a second award.