Gaming System Dynamic Symbol Matching Rules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming systems, such as spinning reel or slot machine games, lack variety and innovation to maintain or increase player enjoyment, as they primarily rely on static symbol combinations and limited interaction mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that selects and displays subsets of symbols on a display, determining matches based on various rules, including symbol identity and relationship, with the option to apply transformations like rotation or reflection, and taking actions such as modifying symbols or awarding prizes based on these matches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional spinning reel or slot machine games are used, then the gaming system is simple and easy to operate, but player enjoyment and variety are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic matching rules that can change during gameplay. The system determines matches based on multiple criteria including symbol identity, spatial relationships, and optional transformations (rotation, reflection). This dynamic evaluation mechanism increases player engagement and variety without requiring complete system redesign, thus improving adaptability while managing complexity through software-based flexibility rather than hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gaming display is segmented into multiple display positions arranged in columns, with symbols selected and displayed at specific positions. The matching mechanism operates on subsets of symbols at specific positions, allowing independent evaluation of different symbol groups. This segmentation enables complex matching rules to be applied to manageable portions of the display, increasing versatility while keeping the overall system architecture organized and maintainable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple matching rules and transformations are implemented, then matching complexity increases, but player engagement improves
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes multiple matching rules and transformation options before gameplay begins. These rules are stored and ready for immediate application when matches are evaluated. By preparing the matching logic in advance, the system can quickly determine matches during gameplay without complex real-time calculations, thus managing the complexity of multiple rules while maintaining high player engagement through rule variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to players about match determinations by displaying matched symbols and indicating wins or losses. This feedback mechanism simplifies the player's task of understanding match criteria, as the system actively demonstrates which symbols constitute matches based on the complex rules. The feedback loop makes the complex matching process transparent and easier to comprehend for players.
3Adaptability or versatility
If symbol transformations like rotation and reflection are applied, then matching opportunities increase, but processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies transformations selectively rather than exhaustively. Instead of generating all possible rotated and reflected versions of every symbol combination, the system applies transformations only when needed to determine matches, and only to the extent necessary to find matching pairs. This partial application of transformations increases match flexibility while reducing unnecessary processing energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of gaming comprising: selecting a plurality of symbols and displaying the symbols at a plurality of display positions on a display; determining whether there is a match between a first subset of symbols at a first subset of the display positions and a second subset of symbols at a second subset of the display positions based on at least one matching rule, the first and second subsets of display positions having the same number of display positions; and taking at least one designated action if a match is determined.