Gaming Machine Symbol Sub-Group Selection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern gaming machines need to provide more engaging and attractive games to customers while improving functionality, but existing technologies struggle to create dynamic and rewarding experiences that keep players interested.
Innovation Solution
A gaming machine with a control unit that allows players to establish wagers and provides games by randomly selecting symbols from a set of ranked symbols, forming an instant sub-group that includes higher-ranking symbols, which are displayed in a grid and determine game outcomes, offering awards based on a pay table.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gaming machines use traditional single pay line symbol combinations, then the game mechanism is simple, but player engagement and attractiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The symbol set is segmented into multiple sub-groups (first sub-group, second sub-group, third sub-group) with different rankings and characteristics. This segmentation allows the game to offer diverse symbol combinations and award structures while maintaining a manageable underlying framework, thereby enhancing player engagement without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to symbol rankings by organizing symbols into multiple sub-groups with different ranking levels. This dimensional organization creates more nuanced award structures and game outcomes, transforming the traditional flat symbol system into a multi-layered structure that increases game depth and attractiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gaming machines offer more diverse symbol rankings and sub-groups, then player engagement improves, but the complexity of symbol management and game control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed to universally handle multiple symbol sub-groups and their associated rankings through a unified selection and evaluation process. This multi-functional approach allows the system to manage diverse symbol varieties without requiring separate control mechanisms for each sub-group, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining symbol diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages symbol complexity by dynamically changing parameters such as the active sub-group selection and ranking thresholds based on game state and wager conditions. This parameter-based control allows the system to adapt to different symbol varieties without permanently increasing structural complexity, as the same control framework handles different configurations through parameter adjustment.
3Measurement precision
If gaming machines use mechanical reels with high precision, then game accuracy is improved, but the functionality and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical reel systems with a video display-based virtual reel system. This substitution maintains the precision of outcome determination through computer-controlled random number generation while dramatically increasing game functionality and adaptability. The video display can present any symbol configuration without mechanical constraints, enabling diverse game modes, multiple pay lines, and flexible award structures that mechanical reels cannot achieve.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine provides an operation unit, a display unit, and a control unit. The display unit displays a display area with a plurality of cells in a grid. A respective symbol, from a set of symbols, is displayed in each cell. The symbols in the set of symbols having a ranking from lowest to highest and include first and second sub-groups. The symbols in the second sub-group of symbols have a higher ranking than the symbols in the first sub-group. The control unit randomly selects one of the symbols from the second sub-group of symbols. The selected symbols from the second sub-group of symbols and the first sub-group of symbols forming an instant sub-group of symbols. The control unit being further configured to randomly select a plurality of symbols associated with the display area from the instant sub-group of symbols.