Gaming Device Symbol Position Patterns with Low Memory and Compute Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic gaming machines lack dynamic symbol position patterns that can enhance game variations without requiring significant memory or compute resources, limiting the diversity and excitement of gameplay experiences.
Innovation Solution
Implement a data structure comprising a plurality of symbol position patterns for random selection, using a random number generator to select a pattern and modify the display to indicate symbol positions until an end condition is met, resulting in an award.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple symbol position patterns are implemented to enhance game variations, then gameplay diversity is improved, but memory and computational resources are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The symbol grid is divided into multiple symbol positions that can be independently configured into different patterns. Each symbol position can be individually modified to form various patterns (e.g., lines, shapes, clusters) without requiring complete reconfiguration of the entire grid, thereby reducing computational overhead while maintaining pattern diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
Symbol position patterns are pre-defined and stored in memory before gameplay begins. The system prepares multiple pattern configurations in advance, allowing the game to quickly switch between patterns during play without performing complex real-time calculations, thus reducing computational resources while preserving gameplay variety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic symbol position patterns are added to enhance game excitement, then player engagement is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The symbol position patterns are made dynamic by allowing the system to switch between different pre-configured patterns during gameplay. The display can dynamically highlight and modify symbol positions to form various patterns (horizontal lines, vertical lines, diagonals, shapes) based on game state, providing excitement without requiring complex real-time generation algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating entirely new patterns dynamically, the system uses copies of pre-defined pattern templates. These templates can be replicated and applied to different symbol grids, allowing the same exciting pattern structures to be reused across multiple game instances with minimal computational overhead.
3Reliability
If symbol selection is conducted until end condition is met to ensure fair gameplay, then game fairness is improved, but game duration is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical reel spinning system is replaced with a digital symbol selection mechanism that uses random number generators (RNG). This substitution allows the system to rapidly determine symbol outcomes without physical constraints, ensuring fair random selection while significantly reducing the time required compared to mechanical systems. The end condition (pattern completion) is efficiently evaluated through digital logic rather than mechanical observation.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for using symbol position patterns includes performing a selection operation, using the random number generator and a data structure comprising a plurality of symbol position patterns to obtain one of the symbol position patterns, and modifying display of the plurality of symbol positions in accordance with the selected symbol position pattern. A symbol selection instance is performed using a lookup table comprising a plurality of reel strips, wherein the reel strips include a designated symbol with respect to the plurality of symbol positions until an end condition is met, and upon all the symbol positions of the selected symbol position pattern being occupied by the designated symbol when the end condition is met, an outcome is determined.