Gaming Machine Special Position Bonus Award Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gaming machines lack an engaging mechanism to retain player interest as the standard structure of game play and bonus prizes becomes familiar, leading to a lack of incentive for continued play.
Innovation Solution
A gaming machine with a display and game controller that designates special game positions on the array, randomly determines bonus prizes associated with these positions, and awards prizes when special symbols appear in these positions, providing a visually observable and dynamic bonus award system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional gaming machines use standard game play structure with fixed bonus prizes, then the game operation is simple and reliable, but player interest decreases over time due to lack of variation
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming machine dynamically changes bonus prizes during gameplay rather than using fixed predetermined prizes. The game controller randomly selects bonus prizes from multiple available options and updates them during game play, making the prize structure movable and adaptable rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The gaming machine pre-prepares multiple bonus prizes in advance and stores them in memory before gameplay begins. These bonus prizes are readied beforehand and can be randomly selected during game play, allowing the system to provide varied rewards without complex real-time generation
2Adaptability or versatility
If gaming machines provide feature games with free plays, then player entertainment increases, but the feature game becomes restricted by the same rules as the main game reducing its appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming machine applies different rules specifically to the feature game mode while maintaining standard rules for the main game. During feature games, bonus prizes are awarded differently and special features are enabled, creating localized rule variations that distinguish the feature game from the main game without requiring complete system redesign
3Ease of operation
If gaming machines use predetermined winning combinations, then the game operation is straightforward and reliable, but the lack of observable bonus award mechanism reduces player engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming machine provides immediate visual feedback to players when bonus prizes are awarded. The display shows the currently selected bonus prize and updates to indicate when a special symbol appears and a bonus is awarded, making the previously hidden prize determination process observable and engaging for players
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a gaming machine comprising a display for displaying a game in which game symbols are randomly displayed in an array of game positions. A game controller designates at least one of the game positions as a special game position in the array and randomly determines a bonus prize associated with the special game position. A special symbol appearing in the special game position in the play causes the game controller to award the bonus prize associated with the special game position. A method is also provided.